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Just being in the driver’s seat, was a win for me in this iconic 7th Gen muscle car. Driving it was like hitting the jackpot, big time! I thoroughly loved it and it was exhilarating to say the least. Sixty years after its debut, the new seventh-generation Ford Mustang is here in Mzansi with very stylish and utter good looks and an immersive digital cockpit inspired by fighter jets features two large customisable digital displays. Head-turning design for Mustang GT Fastback including signature Tri-Bar LED headlamps and tail lights. Equipped with a powerful naturally aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8, along with advanced 10-speed automatic transmission and selectable Drive Modes. Add to that ‘throaty’ sounds from the double twin pipes is more than music to my ears.
Wet n Wild!
It was wet and raining on the test route in and around George. But the real test was up and down on the Outeniqua Pass where The Tang really came to the fore. Whilst the route was scenic, my full concentration was on the twists and curves, the ups and downs of the pass. Acceleration when you needed it with equal stopping power. A 5.0-litre V8 engine with 328kW of power demands all your attention. It was pleasing as it was demanding. That exterior design of the Ford Mustang is just timeless. And since it’s first launch in SA in 2016, 4 082 units of this American legend have been sold.
Sixty and counting…
Since its debut at the New York World’s Fair in April 1964, more than 10 million Mustangs have been sold across seven generations. The iconic sports car has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and has become the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook.
Such is the love for the Mustang, it has been the best-selling sports car in the US since its launch six decades ago. Globally, Mustang has been the best-selling sports car for more than 10 years, a remarkable heritage that was bolstered with the release of the sixth-generation model in 2015. This was the first model to be produced in right-hand drive, which expanded its reach to previously untapped markets, including South Africa, the UK, Australia and Japan.
Timeless Mustang Design
The Mustang GT adds modern chiselled looks to its heritage-inspired design with an appeal to just about every car enthusiast. It’s loveable. A low, horizontal brow across the front emphasizes overall frontal width, while the upper grille design shape is influenced by the original 1960s design. The Tri-Bar LED headlamps continue the Mustang’s classic lighting signature. Its sleek roofline, broad sprinting stance and shortened rear overhang are also true to the authentic proportions of the first generation, while the widened rear haunches point to the power over the wheels in true Mustang style.
Interior: New Thought Process
Behind the chiselled exterior silhouette of the seventh-generation Mustang lies the most technologically advanced, driver-centric cockpit of any Mustang to date. The fighter jet-inspired cockpit offers the driver two flowing and curved displays that can be quickly customised to show information the driver wants or needs to see.
The Tangs’ 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster displays different animated designs and new Drive Mode-dependent visuals. Based on the same Unreal Engine 3D creation tool used in modern video games, when choosing personalised drive mode settings, the car’s current setup is displayed on the centre stack as real-time graphical renderings.
The Mustang is equipped with Black Onyx leather trim, with the full leather seats incorporating heating and cooling functions for optimal comfort, regardless of the weather conditions. Accent stitching and a unique upholstery perforation across the seat inserts further enhances the high-quality interior ambience, complemented by colour-coordinated, asymmetric accent striping on the seat belts. The Mustang GT comes standard with a premium B&O sound system with 12 speakers.
Powerful 5.0L Coyote V8 Ford Performance
The way Mustang looks, drives and sounds is key to the experience that makes customers want to get in the driver’s seat and hit the road. The new Mustang delivers an even more exciting drive experience with new engine technologies.
The Mustang GT is powered by an advanced naturally aspirated 5.0-litre Coyote V8 engine. This fourth-generation engine incorporates an innovative dual air intake box and dual throttle body design, which helps minimise induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates. It produces peak power of 328kW matched a maximum torque output of 540Nm.
This roaring V8 is paired with Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic transmission which reconfigures its shift patterns to match the selected Drive Mode.
Verdict
The dynamic performance and precision handling of the Mustang were designed to come alive on roads like we experienced, showcasing its balance of raw power and refined control. Sixty years of Mustang heritage brought to life in every detail.
RRP: (incl VAT):
Mustang GT Fastback 5.0L V8 10AT: R1 300 000
The recommended Retail Price includes a 6-year/90 000km Ford Optional Service Plan, four-year/120 000km Ford warranty, four-year/unlimited distance Roadside Assistance and five-year/unlimited distance corrosion warranty.
