2018 Ford Mustang GT

It’s All Muscle!

The first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line on March 9, 1964 as a 1964 ½ at the base price of $2,368. Don’t we miss the days when prices were that low? A year later, over 400,000 Mustangs had sold. In 1965, the GT was born, as Ford introduced the Shelby GT350 with a 360-hp 289-cu. in. V-8.

Bring it forward and the 2018 Mustang GT is a state-of-the-art muscle car with more power, cool hi-tech features and a rumbling exhaust that screams pedal-to-the-metal! With an aggressive refresh for the 2018 model, the Mustang is skinned with a modern exterior design that drives home the spirit of the Pony car.

Also, just announced by Ford, they will stop selling all car models in North America (at the end of the vehicles life cycle) except for the Mustang, which is the most popular vehicle in the sports coupe segment. Thank God that the Mustang lives on.

Pricing and Trims
For 2018, the Mustang is available in both fastback and convertible body styles. The fastback comes in the following trim levels: EcoBoost($26,580), EcoBoostPremium ($31,595), GT ($36,090), GT Premium ($40,090), Shelby GT350 ($58,140), and Shelby GT350R ($65,640). The convertible arrives in the following three trim levels: EcoBoost ($32,080), EcoBoost Premium ($37,095), and GT ($45,590).

What’s new for 2018?
For 2018, the Mustang features a more athletic exterior with a freshly redesigned front and rear-end that includes a lower, remodeled hood and grille, for a meaner, leaner image, as well as design changes to the rear end. The performance enhancements include a more powerful V8 engine with an all-new automatic transmission and an improved suspension. Available advanced technologies consist of a customizable 12-inch LCD digital instrument cluster, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Active Valve Performance Exhaust system and SYNC® Connect.

Interior Highpoints
The Mustang interior has always been labeled a 2+2, which translates loosely into plenty of room in the front seats, but not much in the rear. No matter how you slice it, the rear seating room is very limited—a bit cramped for only two people. Otherwise, the front seats are very comfortable. My vehicle was the GT Premium which included leather-lined seats. There is enough room for even tall drivers to fit comfortably. A tilt/telescopic steering wheel complements the driver’s ability to customize their driving position. The center stack sports a pleasant design with an infotainment screen that allows for easy access to vehicle functions like radio, climate control, phone, navigation and more. The new carbon-fiber dash adds both an upscale flair and a $1,195 price tag.

Exterior Highlights
As noted earlier, the refresh of the exterior is sharp and with an aggressive frontend. I rate this as the best-looking Mustang ever. Ford paired the new hood with cat-like stare-down LED headlamps. The taillights are new and C-shaped. The rear spoiler lifts just enough to highlight the rear hatch.

Performance Specs
Performance is at the core of the Mustang DNA, offering drivers the thrill of acceleration and handling. For 2018, you have two engine options: 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder (310 horses) and the 5.0-liter V-8 that manifest 460 wild ponies. There are two transmission options: an upgraded manual 6-speed and a 10-speed SelectShift® (yes that is correct) automatic tranny. MagneRide® active suspension is a new option with the Performance Pack. The active damping system uses sensors positioned around the vehicle to adjust the suspension based on various inputs, including speed, steering angle, brake pressure, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, engine torque, drive mode selection, and even outside air temperature.

Cool Features:
• 12-inch all-digital cluster

• Active Valve Performance Exhaust System

• Ford SYNC® Connect

• Illuminated entry system beaming the Mustang symbol on the ground

Safety Integrity
The 2018 Ford Mustang has a long check list of safety features. Starting with a Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection including distance indication and automatic emergency braking, lane keeping system, and driver alert system. The driver assist systems use radar and cameras to recognize objects in the road, and may take autonomous emergency action – such as braking – to mitigate or avoid a collision. Other safety features include: AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control, Airbags – Driver’s knee, glove-box-door integrated knee and front-seat side, Airbags – Side-curtain (fastback), four-wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with power-assisted four-wheel disc, MyKey®, Perimeter alarm, Rearview camera, SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System, SOS Post-Crash Alert System™

In Summary The 2018 Ford Mustang regenerates the spirit of a muscle car and coerces the pleasure of the open road. My first Mustang was a 1966 coupe and to say that I would love my next Mustang to be a 2018 GT Premium Fastback wouldn’t be a stretch. The redesign continues to make it one of the sharpest looking sport coupes and the 5.0-liter V8 adds to the thrill of the Pony legend. Ford continues to boost the technology in their vehicles to enhance the driving experience and improve fuel economy. If you want to have some fun, take the 2018 Mustang out for a spin!

Specifications
2018 Ford Mustang GT Premium Fastback

Base price: $39,095as driven: $46,970(including destination & optional
features)
Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
Horsepower: 460hp
Torque: 420 lb.-ft.
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive
Seating: 4-passenger
Cargo space: 13.5 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3,706pounds
EPA mileage: City 15/Hwy 25/Comb 18 MPG
Fuel Capacity: 16 gallons
Turning Circle: 37.8 ft.
Wheel Base: 107.1inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider: Chevrolet Camaro, Nissan 370Z, Dodge Challenger