It’s more than just a middle-aged thing. The new
retro-styled Ford Mustang might be pitched at 50+ year old ‘rock stars’ but this
is a car that demands your attention. And respect.
For thirty years Ford has been restyling the
Mustang to meet changing fashions and keep up with arrivals from overseas. They
needn’t have bothered. The current model Mustang looks incredibly similar to the
Pony car of the ‘60s – and we reckon it’s hot! Forget about your ‘flower power’
retro Beetle and new age Mini. The new Mustang is a return to
bugger-the-aerodynamics muscular styling, snarling exhausts, brutal V8s – and a
live rear axle!
As Australian readers may be aware, the current
Mustang is not sold locally through Ford dealerships; Aussie-spec Mustangs ended
with the previous generation. Fortunately, Mustang Motorsport (a division of the
highly experienced Cross-Over Car Conversions) can offer you a new or slightly
used ‘Stang that’s converted to right-hand drive and meets all Australian Design
Rules. You just pay your money and join a very short list of people in Australia
with the same ride.
Seen here is a brand new ’06 Mustang GT. The GT is
the most popular model in the ‘States as it offers V8 grunt (a V6 is also
available), big wheels and all the good bits at an attractive price. If you have
lots of money you can step up to a Saleen S281 or a GT500.
The GT comes powered by a 4.6-litre SOHC,
3-valves-per-cylinder V8 that boasts variable valve timing, a 2 ½ inch stainless
steel exhaust and a dual-throat electronic throttle. Running on normal unleaded,
power output is 225kW at 5750 rpm and there’s 435Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. Of
course, the local XR8 stomps on the Mustang GT in terms of output but that’s not
what this car is about – it’s a true Grand Tourer.
With drive through a standard five-speed manual or
optional four-speed auto (as fitted to our test car), the Mustang offers a good
spread of torque and its delightful exhaust note encourages you to give it some
revs. All-out performance won’t set your hair on fire but it’s safe to say you
can take care of any six-cylinder Commodore or Falcon that pulls alongside. A
relatively short diff ratio and traction control ensure a quick getaway.
Part of the Mustang Motorsport conversion process
involves installing a different steering rack. We’re not sure what the standard
Mustang steering is like, but we can tell you the replacement rack offers the
perfect weight and response to complement the rest of the car. Brakes are 316mm
twin-pots at the front and 300mm single-pots at the rear. And yes, despite being this being a retro-mobile, ABS is fitted.
The suspension settings in the near-1600kg GT are
perfect for a vehicle of this type. There’s generous suspension travel and the
ride is just a bit firmer than a conventional sedan. With MacPherson struts at
the front and a 3-link live axle, the suspension isn’t sophisticated but we
found no criticisms during our test drive. The V8’s grunt is easily put to the
road via the rear wheels and there are no problematic camber changes like in
some IRS systems. Just make sure you don’t hit a big mid-corner bump at speed.
Standard wheels are 17 inch machined alloys but you can get optional 18s which
are polished. Tyre width is 235mm.
Inside, there are plenty of traditional Mustang
styling features – and they haven’t detracted from comfort or practicality.
Front passengers enjoy comfortable seats, good space and relatively easy access.
But rear passengers aren’t so lucky. Squeeze through to the rear bench seat and
you’ll find barely useable head and legroom – think of the Mustang as a 2 + 2.
The dashboard fascia is shaped like Mustangs of yesteryear and the gauges have a
classic look. You get standard electric windows, dual airbags, easy to use air
conditioning, cruise control and a 500 or 1000W (peak) sound system. Even the
base 500W system in our test car sounded pretty good. Our test car was also
factory upgraded with leather trim (including 6-way electric seats), optional
side airbags and a satin aluminium highlight package.
Externally, the GT has the famous Mustang fastback
profile with matching nose and taillight treatment – there’s nothing on this car
that looks amiss. True Mustang fans will identify the traditional fuel filler
cap (mounted between the taillights) and grille-mounted GT fog lights. A
convertible model is also available.
So do you need to be a Mustang aficionado to
appreciate the new model?
Not at all. This is a car bursting with character
yet it remains very comfortable – it’d be the ideal coupe for a high speed
interstate jaunt. Equally, its retro styling is appreciated by people of all
ages. The fastback body really is a timeless beauty. But we must point out this
isn’t a head kicking performance machine. With a mild 225kW and a live axle it’s
clearly not meant to compete with Supra twin-turbos, Skyline GT-Rs and the like.
Even the locally built Monaro should show it a clean pair of Bridgestones.
Unfortunately, it’ll cost you a sizeable wad of
cash to drive a new Mustang GT in Australia. The brand new test car seen here
(complete with dealer delivery stickers still attached) recently sold for
AUD$120,000. That’s several times the purchase price of a now-discontinued
Monaro – although it’s probably not a fair comparison. The new ‘Stang will
likely remain a very rare sight in Australia - it’s the only retro muscle car on
the market and the cost of importing, converting and on-road costs cannot be
ignored.
But those who get permanently behind the wheel of a current Mustang will sure as hell enjoy themselves!
Contact:
Mustang Motorsport +61 3 9753 5799
www.mustangmotorsport.com.au
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