2018 Mustang GT: For those who have gasoline in their veins

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 21, 2018) It’s 1964, and Ford Motor Company vice president Lee Iacocca introduces the new Ford Mustang at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York. That same year Dick Dale and His Del-Tones release the single “Wild, Wild Mustang,” and an icon is born.

More than a half century later the first muscle car, is not only still here, it’s actually gotten stronger and faster, and is still a car people dream of owning.

The current generation that debuted for 2015 has received a refresh for 2018, with a host of improvements including revised front and rear styling for a more aggressive appearance; more power; better handling; and more technology.



Our test car here — the Mustang GT Premium powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 — has also been revised. It delivers 25 more horsepower and an additional 20 lb-ft of torque, to produce an impressive 460 horsepower and topping out at 420 lb-ft. of torque. Our GT came equipped with the new optional 10-speed automatic transmission. An upgraded six-speed manual transmission is standard. Mustang goes from zero to 60 mph in less than four seconds and doesn’t redline until 7400 rpm.

Our test GT also came equipped with the optional Performance Package, adding a firmer suspension with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S performance tires – 255/40R front, 275/40R rear – on 19-inch ebony black multi-spoke alloy wheels, additional engine cooling, and a Torsen limited-slip differential.

An $895 optional feature called Active Valve Performance Exhaust lets the driver select between varying levels of exhaust volume, including normal, sport and track modes along with quiet mode for those late night or early morning drives through the neighborhood.


Inside, changes are minimal. The new 12-inch all-digital LCD instrument cluster offers various screen layouts, 26
color options, and displays for up to eight gauges that default to drive-mode
settings: Normal, Sport+, Drag Strip, Track, or Snow/Wet.

Putting the GT through its paces on twisty canyon roads, the GT was more than impressive with sharp, precision handling on tight hairpin corners with the massive tires firmly gripping the asphalt. Straightaways arouse a magnificent intoxicating noise while power dilates in rage through the hefty quad exhausts with blazing power pushing you firmly back in the heavily bolstered bucket seats. Large Brembo brakes are simply stupendous.

More than a half-century later, Mustang is a horse of a different color than Ford originally imagined. But it’s still alive and kicking, and the kind of car people still dream about.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $35,190, Price as tested: $50,160
Powertrain: 5.0-Liter V-8, 460 hp
Fuel Economy: 15-MPG City – 24-MPG Highway
Seating: 4

Crash Test Results: 5-Star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Competes With:
Chevrolet Camaro SS
Dodge Challenger 392 Hemi

Fab Features:
Sinister looks
Monstrous V8 power
Sweet sounding quad pipe performance exhaust