Of course since then, we've seen the good, the bad and the downright ugly sport the famous grille mascot. However, I'm pleased to announce that, of late, there's been nothing but thoroughbreds prancing around the blue oval corral; and this statement certainly pertains to the new 2013 Mustang GT convertible.
Yes, I know it still sports a solid rear axle which is perhaps viewed as a tad old-hat nowadays, but in many ways this simply adds to the charm of the vehicle. You see, while others attempt to recreate the old muscle-car flavour using present day platforms, the Mustang is the only one (in my book) that truly feels like the evolution of its granddaddy.
The evolution of an icon
The new Mustangs are instantly recognizable, and from pretty much any angle you wish to view them. For 2013, it receives a slightly more aggressive look to the front which, although differing in design, is quite reminiscent of the '68 version Mr. McQueen drove in Bullitt. This is then bought bang-up-to-date by the HID headlamps (standard on the V6 & the GT) and some pretty sharp looking LED lights which sit alongside these. The redesigned hood now sports functional heat-extractors which make the GT look fast even before it starts to move! Of course, my tester being bright, flaming red did help somewhat with this.
The interior complements the exterior as it simply looks perfect for a 2013 retro-classic, and Ford has cleverly managed to achieve this while loading the vehicle with a whole host of modern day electronic wizardry. Yes, you'll find the new and improved Sync incorporated into the system. You'll also discover a whack of Mustang-perfect playthings like the awesome new Track App which allows the driver to measure the G-Force, acceleration times and braking performance.
Rein in the horses
On the road, the 2013 Ford Mustang GT is a blast to drive. The 5.0L DOHC 32-valve V8 offers up an abundance of power (420 hp @ 6500 rpm - up 8 hp from 2012), and will set light to the rear tires in a blink of an eye (0-100 km/h - 4.6 seconds). Of course, that's quick, but nothing more than one would expect from a Mustang as its bloodline has always demanded lively performance.
Solid rear end or not, the new wave of Pony cars can also handle the twists and turns. In fact, only a fool would totally believe that the days of solid rear axles are over. Simply look at any vehicle which needs strength and reliability from its drive train (trucks/off-roaders/rally/race cars) and you're just as likely to find a solid axle as anything else.
Of course, while performing straight line burnouts can be huge fun (provided it's done legally on private land or your local track), a rather crucial part of doing this is being able to stop which is why Ford thoughtfully provided my test vehicle with its optional Brembo system. Yes, once the braking choice of the chosen few (the fat-wallet brigade), these quality road anchors are now available from Ford and, in my opinion, are well worth the added expense.
Rag-top reveries
Now it's been a while since I've driven a rag-top convertible, and I'd actually forgotten how much fun they could be. Yes, there's a certain price to pay with regards to shuttle shake, particularly when traversing rough country roads, but then you typically have to dig well into your pocket to source a soft-top which doesn't suffer to some extent from this affliction.
Ponies at a price
Speaking of pricing, my GT tester started out at $44,299, yet by the time all the bells and whistles were added it topped out at a tad over $50k. Now this may come as a shock to those who remember the Mustang as being the affordable performance car for the masses. The Pony is no longer a plain Jane with regards to features. In fact, it's loaded with everything you'd expect to find today, and then some.
One of these I simply have to mention may appear a tad gimmicky (which it is in all fairness), but it's also Cool (with a capital "C"). I didn't notice it at first when I parked the 'Stang outside the Chinese restaurant (and there was no mention of any surprise coming in my fortune cookie), but as I unlocked the vehicle, the step-in area on both sides illuminated with the perfect rendition of the Mustang Pony logo.
Within seconds, this was the talk of the parking lot and, while I typically own up to a press vehicle being on loan, on this occasion I'll come clean and admit to saying nothing of the sort! I simply stood there next to the 2013 Mustang GT with this huge, silly grin on my face which suggested; what, your car doesn't have this?
That was just one of many smile-a-lot moments I enjoyed during my week with the 2013 Mustang GT. Yes, the vehicle has some pretty fierce competition from the likes of Dodge & GM, and anyone contemplating one of these vehicles should probably drive all before coming to a decision. However, my mind's already firmly set because I still view the Mustang as the closest in spirit to the cars which all these are attempting to emulate.
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