For over 50 years, Ford's Mustang has brought performance and style to the masses. With this latest generation model, it's also brought sophisticated technology, plus ride and handling characteristics that are unlike any Mustang before.
Available as a fastback Coupe or a soft-top Convertible, the Mustang is available with one of four different engines.
The standard powerplant is a 3.7-litre V6 engine that produces 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. A four-cylinder Mustang is also available; packing Ford's 2.3-litre EcoBoost motor, this little engine produces 310 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque when running on premium fuel. It's worth noting that the new Camaro also offers a four-cylinder turbo engine, though it is standard, with the naturally aspirated V6 being the upgrade engine.
Of course, a Mustang wouldn't be a Mustang without a V8. Mustang GTs get a 5.0-litre that belts out 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque.
Those looking for the ultimate Mustang can opt for the Shelby GT350 Coupe. Unlike Shelby models of the past which bludgeoned the competition with their mega-powerful supercharged engines, this latest Shelby is lean, mean, and more of a track fighter with an emphasis on racetrack-ready ride and handling. Its 5.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 boasts a race-car-style flat-plane crank, an 8,000-rpm redline, plus 526 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque.
All Mustangs come standard with a six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic transmission with paddles for manual shifting is available as an option on all Mustangs except the GT350.
There are only a handful of changes to the new Mustang for 2017. Three new colours join the range - Lightning Blue, White Platinum Tricoat, and a very vivid shade of blue dubbed Grabber Blue. Vehicles equipped with the Black Accent Package also get a different wheel design. Lastly, the integrated turn signals from the hood vents of the Mustang GT have been discontinued.
Bigger changes are in store for the Shelby GT350. The impressive sports coupe gets most of the equipment featured in the Track Package as standard, including a raised rear spoiler, a front strut tower brace, transmission and differential coolers, and, crucially, magnetic dampers. The Shelby is also available in three new colours: Lightning Blue, Grabber Blue, and Ruby Red.
The Shelby's R package is still available for the most performance-oriented enthusiasts. It strips out the rear seats, infotainment system, air conditioning, auxiliary gauges, and even the tire inflator kit. It instead gets carbon fibre wheels, unique suspension tuning, and an aggressive downforce-generating carbon fibre body kit.
All Mustangs, regardless of trim, have a well-organized interior with retro styling and plenty of convenience and amenity features including LED headlights and taillights, 17-inch wheels, and proximity key with push-button start. Barring the GT350 with the R package, all Mustangs get a reverse camera, plus Bluetooth and voice control. The base audio system features a 4.2-inch display with six speakers, dual USB ports and an aux-in jack. This setup can be upgraded to the Sync3 touchscreen system which features an 8.0-inch display. Launched just last year, it features improved tablet-style swipe controls.
Pricing for the 2017 Mustang Coupe starts at $26,398 for the V6 and tops out at $43,898 for the GT Premium. An entry level Convertible Mustang starts at $31,398, with the GT Premium Convertible selling for $49,448. Due to its increased level of equipment, the GT350 now starts at $73,678, up from last year's starting MSRP of $63,788.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed