2018 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
September 12, 2018
Anthony Murdoch
There is nothing more pleasing to the ears for a petrol head then to hear the mechanical symphonic noise of a classic V8, and I recently had the pleasure to experience this for a week's time. From its low rumble at idle to mid range baritone song, this really is the way you want your Mustang to be, and thank heavens that is the way my test car came equipped!
Nearly fully kitted out, my tester was a GT with the GT Performance Package Level 2, new for 2018 and optional 10-speed automatic transmission, MagneRide Damping system (comes with the Level 2), and Active Exhaust. All in all, a pretty optioned out Mustang, but one that was boatloads of fun to drive and never really tiring in the slightest. About the GT Performance Package Level 2, it adds MagneRide and different spring and shock settings. If you are going to go with a Mustang GT, go with a least the Performance Package 1, as the bigger Brembo brakes and limited slip differential are really worth it.
For 2018, Ford made quite a few changes to the Mustang, such as a new hood that is around 25mm lower, all new fully LED headlights, and subtle styling changes to the rear bumper. The overall look is more aggressive in tone, and I have to say that although this mid-cycle refresh is welcome in some regards, the average Joe would be hard pressed to notice any changes. About those LED headlights; I am not a fan of the light that LED's emit. It is sharp and unnatural, and I feel Xenon beams are much better at lightning the road.
Inside, the 2018 Mustang has not changed much, save for some small trim pieces here and there and yes, the fully digital dash, which is only available on premium trimmed models. I am going to say it, I like traditional gauges, I really do. Like a mechanical watch, nothing beats the visual and tactile appeal of a needle moving back and forth. Having said that, the new digital dash really is impressive in that it can be configured in so many different ways, and is really always focused on driver information, which is what you want. The digital dash also changes from mode to mode, so from normal or sport to track mode, the tachometer goes from a round dial to a straight horizontal moving line. When in Drag mode, it gets downright serious, complete with a drag-strip Christmas tree light! Is it worth the extra cost? Not really, but I am sure it will appeal to the techie types out there who love digital screens.
The big news for 2018 are revisions to the 5.0-litre V8, which now makes 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Also, nerds will take note that this engine is now a true 5.0 litre! Before, displacement was actually slightly under 5.0 litres. Now it is actually a little over! You can thank larger cylinder bores for that. The increase in power comes from new direct fuel injection in combination with regular port injection, revised cylinder head and intake manifolds and the same Plasma Transfer Wire Arc cylinder liners employed on the GT350’s 5.2-liter engine. Compression ratio is also up as well. This engine now revs to a truly high 7500 rpm. It sounds amazing doing so, and with the 10 speed automatic, hitting the redline gear after gear is now easier than ever! Equipped in this way, the Mustang GT is a true sub 4 second to 60 mph car. However, having sampled the manual 6-speed in the past, that is what I would personally prefer.
The total as tested price before tax for my test car was just north of $60,000 CAD. Is this a lot of money? Yes, but remember a base Mustang GT with the terrific V8 can be had a starting price of only $36,000 CAD. Are all the options worth it? For me, the Active Exhaust and Performance package for sure are.
All in all, the 2018 improvements help the Mustang stay on the top of the ladder compared the the rivals from GM and Dodge. It does have a refined feel to it, and despite some minor shortcomings, nothing, and I mean nothing comes close to the smiles per gallon meter than a honking V8 up front driving the rear wheels!
Pros:
Anthony Murdoch
There is nothing more pleasing to the ears for a petrol head then to hear the mechanical symphonic noise of a classic V8, and I recently had the pleasure to experience this for a week's time. From its low rumble at idle to mid range baritone song, this really is the way you want your Mustang to be, and thank heavens that is the way my test car came equipped!
Nearly fully kitted out, my tester was a GT with the GT Performance Package Level 2, new for 2018 and optional 10-speed automatic transmission, MagneRide Damping system (comes with the Level 2), and Active Exhaust. All in all, a pretty optioned out Mustang, but one that was boatloads of fun to drive and never really tiring in the slightest. About the GT Performance Package Level 2, it adds MagneRide and different spring and shock settings. If you are going to go with a Mustang GT, go with a least the Performance Package 1, as the bigger Brembo brakes and limited slip differential are really worth it.
For 2018, Ford made quite a few changes to the Mustang, such as a new hood that is around 25mm lower, all new fully LED headlights, and subtle styling changes to the rear bumper. The overall look is more aggressive in tone, and I have to say that although this mid-cycle refresh is welcome in some regards, the average Joe would be hard pressed to notice any changes. About those LED headlights; I am not a fan of the light that LED's emit. It is sharp and unnatural, and I feel Xenon beams are much better at lightning the road.
Inside, the 2018 Mustang has not changed much, save for some small trim pieces here and there and yes, the fully digital dash, which is only available on premium trimmed models. I am going to say it, I like traditional gauges, I really do. Like a mechanical watch, nothing beats the visual and tactile appeal of a needle moving back and forth. Having said that, the new digital dash really is impressive in that it can be configured in so many different ways, and is really always focused on driver information, which is what you want. The digital dash also changes from mode to mode, so from normal or sport to track mode, the tachometer goes from a round dial to a straight horizontal moving line. When in Drag mode, it gets downright serious, complete with a drag-strip Christmas tree light! Is it worth the extra cost? Not really, but I am sure it will appeal to the techie types out there who love digital screens.
The big news for 2018 are revisions to the 5.0-litre V8, which now makes 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Also, nerds will take note that this engine is now a true 5.0 litre! Before, displacement was actually slightly under 5.0 litres. Now it is actually a little over! You can thank larger cylinder bores for that. The increase in power comes from new direct fuel injection in combination with regular port injection, revised cylinder head and intake manifolds and the same Plasma Transfer Wire Arc cylinder liners employed on the GT350’s 5.2-liter engine. Compression ratio is also up as well. This engine now revs to a truly high 7500 rpm. It sounds amazing doing so, and with the 10 speed automatic, hitting the redline gear after gear is now easier than ever! Equipped in this way, the Mustang GT is a true sub 4 second to 60 mph car. However, having sampled the manual 6-speed in the past, that is what I would personally prefer.
The total as tested price before tax for my test car was just north of $60,000 CAD. Is this a lot of money? Yes, but remember a base Mustang GT with the terrific V8 can be had a starting price of only $36,000 CAD. Are all the options worth it? For me, the Active Exhaust and Performance package for sure are.
All in all, the 2018 improvements help the Mustang stay on the top of the ladder compared the the rivals from GM and Dodge. It does have a refined feel to it, and despite some minor shortcomings, nothing, and I mean nothing comes close to the smiles per gallon meter than a honking V8 up front driving the rear wheels!
Pros:
- Revised V8 engine provides near supercar levels of performance.
- Ride is much improved, even in the Convertible!
- Styling is aggressive and grabs attention of young and old alike.
- Active exhaust is a must as you can be as quiet or as loud as you want!
- 10-speed automatic hunts for gears too much. Get the 6-speed manual and save some $.
- Pricey options mean a cheap Mustang this is not.
- Interior still has some cheap plastics and could be better in material quality.
