Although 2009 has easily been the year of the green car, there are still plenty of enthusiasts out there. I think.
Recently, at one of the Detroit three's media events, I heard some conversation that was downright alarming. A friend in the biz said that one of his relatives had a sport-utility vehicle and his children were not so happy about it.
As a matter in fact, one of the darlings even went as far as to say something along the lines of "...your car gets little gas mileage, that is bad."
Now I am not going to lead us into a philosophical debate but it is pretty amazing to hear about 13 year-old boys telling their parents what they should buy. Granted, I am slightly guilty of the same charge. I will say, however, that I was egging my parents to get something with a large motor, style and luxury -- for the curious, I was rooting for a 1999 Jaguar XJR.
My point is: what happened to little boys and girls lusting over a porno red Ferraris or a Kermit green Lamborghini? Has Generation Whatever been brainwashed into loving hybrids and electric cars?
After hearing this atrocity, we all stood around and wondered who we knew -- besides journalists -- that really liked driving. To say the least we could not come up with a solid list.
Deep down in my heart, I know that there are some still out there. Perhaps I am in denial. Well, regardless, this brings us neatly to the topic of today's discussion, the 2010 Ford Mustang GT.
A long-time legend, I remember when the all-new and retrofied concept Mustang appeared. Everyone went nuts over it. There is a passion there that can only be understood by loyalists. But there was something about the design. It seemed to Lego-like and choppy. For 2010 though, the boys at Ford cleaned it up a bit. It just so happens in the process they made it look meaner and more pissed off.
It was a brilliant move.
The car that was formerly a bit too blocky has turned more angular and fierce. The facade looks similar to an irked dog when you take away the only meal it has had in two weeks. I adore it. My test car, which was painted a mustard-y yellow, had the spoiler delete option. After seeing it in the flesh, I still find myself debating if it is the best option the Mustang has ever had.
For those of you with an eagle eye, you will notice that Ford popped in a new line right behind the door handles. This sweeping line gives the 2010's a little bit of a hip and attitude. No more Plain Jane, squared-off lines.
Although a majority of the exterior, visual touches earn bonus points for the Blue Oval, there are some gimmicky tricks up the brand's sleeve. For instance, the turn signals operate in a sequential manner like this:
It is cool the first several times but then the vanity wears off when you realize that the 'Stang reminds you of a light strip in Times Square. But, do not be worried. The changes are not only skin deep.
Getting more comfortable in the cabin of the 2010 Mustang, it is clear that Ford has really taken interest in the interior space. Looking around, the dash and door trims boast soft-touch plastic that is similar to European cars, and the leather seats have ample support.
What makes the 2010 stand out from the past is that Ford has taken its interior to the next level. Although, there are some issues, like the "aluminum" trim, and cheap chrome trim pieces that are located on the knobs and speaker surrounds. Overall, it is a significant step in the right direction.
And when you see what Ford is capable of on the other side of the spectrum, example "A" the Fusion Hybrid, it is refreshing to see an interior from the brand that is above average.
Then you compare the Mustang's insides against its competition, the plastic-laden Camaro and the rock-hard interior of the Challenger. To put it simply, it leaves them in the dust.
Although something tells me if you acquire a Mustang you will not be tremendously interested in the interior. More important is the 4.6 liter V8 pumping out a rather unimpressive 315-horsepower. Getting more interest is the 325 lb-ft of torque being put to the pavement, although it is a bit higher up on the rev band.
This means that with a good mix of suburban and city driving you can earn yourself around 15.5 real-world MPG. When comparing against the likes of a recently driven 2010 Audi S4, which got 18-20 MPG city depending on how hard you were pushing the car, this area needs sincere improvement.
Weighing in at just over 3,500 pounds means the 'Stang is a quick car but not a fast car. Although this is a couple hundred pounds under the Camaro, it will not blow your mind with a punch of warp speed power, although it will feel something like that due this car's drama queen nature.
The exhaust is tuned to be loud and aggressive, she swivels her hips when you plant your foot into the right pedal and if you become a bit too confident, it will put you back into your place. Likely in a tree or whatever else is close to the road.
Mustang is quite a fitting name for this wild beast. It needs to be tamed. If you do not know what you are doing, tread lightly. If you put the Mustang into a curve at the limit and hit an unexpected bump, you will likely make the tail end get a bit happy.
Then, the car will bite your head off.
This gives you several options: 1) Drive the car at the limit and kill yourself, 2) Drive the car under it's potential and know you're safe, 3) Drive the car in and around the limit and hope you do not total it.
That is what makes the Mustang a blast to drive. Where the Camaro and Challenger are great cruisers, the Ford is like handling a live wire. It is exciting and engaging while at the same time, it makes you wonder if you will become toast with one wrong move.
The clutch take up is just right, with a little room for error, while the shifter is tight. It is easy to drive without becoming a bore. I could probably drive this manual with a pair of thick boots that are devoid of feeling. The shifter's vibrations are only felt to the touch and it gets into gear without a hassle. It feels like a modern car should, even if it only has a five-speed transmission.
Its old-school suspension provides a very solid ride that hits a sweet spot between comfort and sport. Highway driving is GT-like while it is cushy enough to absorb craters that put the Moon's to shame. But Ford continues to emphasize the usage of a solid rear axle. This means that if you hit an imperfection at the wrong moment, she will step out of line. I wonder how much longer Ford will continue to produce a machine with such potential, yet is hampered by its inability to be challenged.
There is a problem with getting rid of this setup, though. If you eliminate the storied rear suspension, it is like throwing the Mustang's unique character and liveliness in the trash.
Another concern are the brakes. Sure they are great for street driving and get the job done. But after getting on them on a relatively consistent basis they just do not do the trick. Thankfully, the 2011 Mustang will have a Brembo brake package that will equip the GT with 14-inch front rotors from the GT500.
Through the twisties, the Ford is an admirable performer. That is, until you hit an imperfection in the road. On pavement smooth as glass, however, it feels as though it is a performer. Steering is weighted on the heavier side without becoming wooden and it does not take much to get the car going where you want. It is capable of going through curves while having a great time.
All in all, it boils down to the Mustang being a fun car to drive, albeit, it has its own set of quirks. Taking that into consideration, it turns into a car that I like but I do not love. Personally, it was not the kind of car that made me want to ignore all of my obligations and drive until my legs hurt.
Do not get it twisted though, it does remarkably well against the competition. As a matter in fact, it is probably the best of the three, even though it is severely down on horsepower. This may boggle some minds but you have to remember, power is not everything. It all comes down to the driving experience and execution. In this particular class, Ford delivered an engaging experience and really annihilated the competition's interiors.
And, as you will see later, it is not done with the upgrades. In 2011, Ford will continue to address the Mustang's weak points. This can only improve the Mustang's standing among the masses.
Right now, I have only one way to analogize this to you.
If you were going to a dinner party and needed a date, the Challenger would be a really cool person but slightly ungainly and unnecessarily bold. It would not "wow," anyone but at the end of the night everyone would say how cool it was. The Camaro, on the other hand, would have just undergone a makeover and looks drop-dead gorgeous. But, through this transformation it has become more refined with its table manners -- a bit too refined. A nice person to bring home to mom but it can become a bit of a bore.
Then you have the Mustang. Most people would become a bit put off by the 'Stang making a scene, spilling your drink and probably would nickname it something that begins with a "b" and ends with "itch." It certainly is not apologizing for its behavior or look, but it will ensure that you know you are alive while having the time of your life.
Give me the keys to the crude handful. I always liked a challenge.
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