The Ford Mustang Thread

Ford Mustang (2023) Living with it

Verdict

With a price tag of just over R1.2 million, the 5.0 GT California Special Fastback costs less than R100k more than the standard 5.0 GT Fastback (January 2024)… and we’re confident that the former justifies the extra outlay. Besides the obvious visual enhancements, there is also the matter of exclusivity.

To reiterate, this sportscar is not for everyone, but even the purists on our team (except for Ash) had to agree that there was something deeply charming about a sunset cruise with this Mustang.

Is the California Special a modern classic? Well, find another naturally-aspirated V8 with rear-wheel drive that looks this good for R1.2 million. It is the very antithesis of the template of a modern sportscar: flawed and wonderful in equal measure. And we (well, most of us) miss it. So, that’s probably a “yes”, then.

 
Hold your horses! The new Ford Mustang GT is galloping to the UK

Seventh-gen 'Stang heads to Europe with 439bhp of V8 goodness and a much more tech-focused interior

Fire the barbecue up and get yer cowboy hats on lads and lasses: Ford’s seventh-generation Mustang GT is heading for Europe, bringing with it an updated version of the ‘Coyote’ V8 alongside a new cockpit, new tech, and a new suit, with prices starting at £55,585.

Beginning with that engine, the 5.0-litre modular block has been augmented with new software and hardware, equating to 439bhp and 398lb ft of torque. It should also maintain a sub-four-second sprint to 60mph.

Its engine features a new induction unit, supported by dual air intakes and a dual throttle body design. Other changes include a forged steel crank and new camshafts. It’s all terribly nerdy, but should result in a more refined power delivery across the rev range.

The new suspension kit should also unlock quicker steering while rev-matching sorcery has been supplied to work in tandem with a choice of six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions.

 
The hardcore Ford Mustang Dark Horse will go on sale for £65,585 in the UK

It will be the most track-focused production Mustang ever, and features a refined chassis set-up and a slight power increase to 446bhp

Alongside the release of its all-new seventh-generation Mustang GT, Ford will also bring its hardcore ‘Dark Horse’ edition to the UK. It’s not only the most track-focused series production Mustang to date but will also be the foundation for the car’s motorsport campaigns for the foreseeable future.

The reworked ‘Coyote’ V8 will see a slight output increase to 446bhp, and while the torque figure maintains a steady 398lb ft, Ford has focussed its attention on smaller details refined from the standard car’s ‘Performance Pack’ to spruce up the Dark Horse. Those include various upgrades to the cooling systems and a Torsen limited-slip differential to improve cornering ability. Gods, remember the days when American cars were at war with handling? They’re firmly behind us now.

The Dark Horse will be offered with the same two transmissions as the standard car: a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. The latter will be supplied with paddle shifts, which work alongside a ‘flat-shift’ system to enable drivers to change gears without releasing the accelerator. So it makes you lazier, then.

Further changes include a more tuned chassis setup, larger anti-roll bars and heavy-duty dampers. You’ll also get meatier six-piston front brake calipers by Brembo, Pirelli P Zero PZ4 rubbers, and Ford’s ‘MagneRide’ active suspension as standard.

 
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