I’ve long dreamt of owning a fastback Mustang. A fastback from the Steve McQueen era. Too bad they’re beyond expensive, provided you want something in decent shape. Yes, they’re that sought after. The alternative? Perhaps the all new, 2015 Mustang GT.
Under the hood is a 5.0l V8 that spits out 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Not too shabby for a car that costs just north of R368080.50 (our review car didn’t include a “for sale” slip so I can’t tell you how much it cost). For those seeking less power and better bang for their gas buck, there is a turbo 4 cylinder or a naturally aspirated v6 that both produce horsepower in the 300s. Neither are as guttural sounding though they should be just as spritely.
Which brings me to what is perhaps my biggest gripe with the Mustang GT: it’s just too soft for my liking. The suspension is set despite having 4 drive modes (normal, sport, racetrack, wet/snow), but none of them influence or dampen the suspension. That said, this is the first Mustang with a rear independent suspension, so handling has been vastly improved, though I’ve never driven a prior generation so I can’t comment on how it compares.
But that shortcoming aside, I’m altogether impressed with the 2015 Mustang GT. The interior feels top notch for a car at this price point. The Sync system ain’t half bad, the included audio system from Shaker does just that (shake things), and the interior space (and trunk space) is very accommodating, save for the backseat, which is there largely for show.
My Mustang GT was manual, and rightfully so, since if you’re to opt for the automatic you’re, from my understanding, precluded from Ford’s performance package. It includes upgraded 19-inch tires, Brembro brakes, and a Torsen limited slip diff. Yes, those are things you want. So you best get learning on your Dad’s 5-speed manual.
Other features found inside the Mustang GT include launch control, track data (0-60 and other stuff), along with something called line lock, which literally locks up the front tires and allows you to perform perfect burnouts (aka destroy your tires). And while the seats are electronic (or motorized), the back of the seat is not and must be manual adjusted. It’s a head-scratching feature or lack thereof, but I’ll take what I can get in a Ford.
