2016 Mustang GT – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

The Mustang GT Unlocks All the Mysteries of Fun

Nothing quite beats that badass feel of being in the driver’s seat of a modern day V8 hot rod. It’s a menacing experience in both looks and feel from its massive chassis, large diameter wheels, and of course, its thick-blooded V8 engine. Even its interior is decked out with rugged dials, flick switches and a deep color scheme to remind you of the power you possess when within. But despite its demonizing intimidation, the Mustang GT manages to pull off a dual-faced expression of both civilized driving and track aggression.

Awesome Styling

There’s plenty of muscular lines and aesthetic details to shout its authoritative name on open roads. Standard on the Mustang stable are HID headlamps and its signature LED tri-bar tail lamp turn signals and front triple shark gill diagonal front LED headlamps. Its front hood is long and massive to house its glory glory engine, and its depth is noticeable from the driver’s seat. Compared to other domestic muscle cars in its class, the Mustang is the most modern looking thanks to its smooth and curvaceous contours. And that is by no mistake either, as its design sleek styling is inhaled by countless hours of research in the wind tunnel.

Cabin space is a rock solid man cave. A bigger car also means a bigger cabin space, and that’s an awesome attribute especially given for a sports car. Looks and feel of its leather stitching is of high quality and feels durable to the touch. And the bucket seats are plenty comfortable too with widened back and lateral support. There is simply no shortage of real estate in the front seats. Rear seats fit two passengers, but legroom is a bit scarce mainly due to thicker padding used throughout. Trunk space provides ample storage as well at 13.5 cub.ft while its convertible GT model provides 11.4 cu.ft

Awe Inspiring Performance

Perhaps what truly marks the Mustang GT signature is its thick blooded 5.0L V8 engine producing 435 horsepower and 400 ft.lbs of torque. Firing up its engine immediately reveals the V8 trademark thunderous roar that can’t be imitated by anything else. Transmission is (properly) limited to a 6-speed manual. Throttle map settings are toggled by one of its flick switches and is configurable in either Normal, Snow/Wet, Sport, or Track mode.

Weight distribution is front heavy, but the Mustang GT surprisingly feels comfortable and easy to maneuver around corners. Front visibility does take a bit of getting used to primarily due to its massive front hood. Other than that, I must say that the Mustang GT is an exhilarating and fun car to drive. Power and torque acceleration feels absolutely endless with its V8 power, and the massive 6 speed gear shifter and clutch combination’s got a good throw with a very confident gear contact engagement feel. The placement and enlarged diameter steering wheel reminds the driver of the size of the Mustang GT; yet, it’s still somehow comfortable and easy to drive. It’s not heavy; neither is it light. The Mustang GT weighs in at 3705 lbs and in road practice, those numbers do show. But the Mustang GT still feels nimble and surprisingly controllable around corners.

Despite its evil expression in both looks and drivability, the Mustang GT can still remain relatively composed in normal city driving conditions. The clutch pedal and shifter doesn’t require too much effort for gear engagement, and steering feels relatively light and smooth. The engine exhaust tone is a sweet one, but at the same time, not too overwhelming. Fuel economy is in the gas guzzler level and achieved a burn in my wallet with 17.8 l/100km.

Our tester comes in the form of a Mustang GT Convertible with the premium and performance package, navigation, 12 speaker system, and premier trim package. The final price tag comes in at $60,798 with all packages configured, but the convertible base price remains at $49,448 and the non-convertible GT Fastback model can be had for about $6,000 less. This puts the Mustang GT in competition with the Dodge Challenger Scat Pack, and Chevorlet Camaro with flavors of V8 engines.

Specifications

• Vehicle : 2016 Ford Mustang
• Model : Ford Mustang GT
• Vehicle Type : Coupe
• Seating Capacity : 2+2
• Engine : 5.0L V8
• Horsepower: 435 hp, 400 lb.ft of torque
• Transmission :  6 speed manual
• Price as tested: $60,748

Pros

• Beautiful interior and exterior styling
• Ultra solid looks and feel
• Quiet and elegant cabin space

Cons

• Poor handling and acceleration performance.
• Heavy curb weight
• Trunk capacity compromised by placement of Lithium Ion battery pack.