Ford Mustang GT

Upon first glance, some folks walked right past my 2010 Mustang GT test car without even noticing it was a Mustang. For instance, one guy calmly asked me, “So, I thought you were going to be driving Ford's new GT Mustang this week.” Well, to the uneducated eye (you know, those folks who recently switched to Sanka), the new Mustang might take a while to identify, but to those of you who know Mustangs, the car is a head turner wherever it goes. In fact, one guy pulled out his camera as I stopped at light. He decided it was time for a photo shoot. If you drive this car, beware of the Mustang paparazzi lurking about.

As for its exterior, the car features a revised front fascia, a new rear end, and sharper lines throughout. In all, I think the car looks a bit slimmer (i.e. “softer”) than the current 2005-2009 models, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Ford reduced the front aerodynamic lift of the 2010 Mustang by 23 percent. This tweak definitely makes itself apparent when you're behind the wheel of the car on the freeway. It helps the Mustang GT to provide improved steering feedback and better overall control. Other exterior highlights include a new “power dome” hood, a rear-mounted antenna, and taillights that feature three LED bulbs firing sequentially from the inside. Obviously Ford knows a thing or two about keeping with tradition. The 2010 Mustang GT also features larger exhaust tips in the rear (3 ½ inches) and new 19-inch wheels and tires. My test GT featured 245/45R 19 Pirelli tires.

Next up is the redesigned interior dashboard and console. What was once a major sticking point for some buyers has now been remedied. The dash looks more modern and is full of numerous gadgets such as AdvanceTrac® traction control (a first for the Mustang), Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Controls, and Ford's SYNC system. A redesigned center console can be used to hold beverages while you're out and about.

I've driven a lot of GT Mustangs over the years. That said, none performed quite as well as the new 2010 model. Bottom line, the car felt solid on the road. Bumps were less noticeable and cornering was much improved. As a test, I drove a 2008 Mustang back-to-back with the 2010 through the canyons outskirting Los Angeles. The 2010 featured less body roll and required less work behind the wheel. This is likely due to Ford's decision to include suspension development that went into the '08-'09 Bullitt. We're talking about the springs, stabilizer bars, and shocks which were all tweaked with performance in mind.

Speaking of performance, the 2010 Mustang GT can really get up and go. As I cruised through the Los Angeles back roads I stepped on the gas, combining shifts from the Tremec 3650 five-speed manual transmission. The roar of the 315 hp V-8 engine filled the cabin as I felt pure horsepower at my disposal. With 0-60 times in the 5.0 second range, the 2010 Mustang GT packs quite a punch. Combined with its improved handling, it felt like a solid machine. Solid is the word that comes to mind because I felt very at ease in the car. Its ability to get up and go is top notch and it's built to maneuver out of the most daring of situations.

Ford Mustang GT

Ford Mustang GT