Review by Veeno Dewan
The venerable Mustang has been around for 55 years now and according to Ford is the world’s best-selling sports coupe. With millions sold, the balance between beauty and aggression is superb in this sixth-generation model with its classic long-hood, short deck proportions and menacing visage, accentuated by its hood vents. Its crouching stance and clean sharp lines are wonderfully rendered in either fastback or convertible models. For 2021 this automotive icon gains more options and new smart technology. Its quick too with a range of powerplants; from a 2L four-cylinder EcoBoost engine to V6 Power and the monstrous 5.0L V8-powered GT with 460 Horsepower.
Also, for 2021, the Ford CoPilot360 safety suite is now standard equipment, incorporating BLIS (blind spot information system), a cross-traffic alert function, automatic headlights, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision assist (with pedestrian detection), automatic emergency braking, and a backup camera. There is a range of trims , while the Mustang GT with the High-Performance Handling setup is the most potent Mustang. The package adds MagneRide dampers, higher-performance 265/40R Pirelli P Zero summer tires, stiffer sway bars and a Torsen 3.35:1 limited-slip rear end.
We tested the 2021 GT Convertible version, highlighted GT ‘5.0’ badging on the front wings and the round Mustang badge with ‘GT’ logo instead of the Mustang pony. The rear fascia offers, quad GT dual exhaust tips and a diffuser, Wheels come in 18- 20 -inch sizes.
My V8 premium convertible tester was finished in a sublime Oxford white with a power operated black fabric roof and Ebony leather-trimmed interior. Interior-wise, the Mustang has a tasteful mix of materials, not super luxurious but decent enough. Ergonomics are fine with a neat dash with a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. Options included the: premier trim, Ford safe & smart package, adaptive cruise control, voice-activated touchscreen nav system, the 10-speed auto transmission, 3.55 ratio limited slip axle, active valve performance exhaust, 20- inch premium-painted alum wheels, Bang and Olufsen 12 speaker premium audio and much more.
The GT also featured leather / suede seating, the driver’s seat features six-way electrical adjustment and the passenger’s seat are four-way adjustable. The front cabin is roomy enough, while the rear seats comprise two individual buckets – not so roomy, better for small kids. The trunk volume of 13.5 cubic feet is ample, and with the rear 50/50 seats flipped down increase cargo space impressively.
On the road, the Windsor, Ontario-built 5.0-litre V8 engine produces 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, the transmission is a ten-speed SelectShift automatic transmission option. while true enthusiasts will appreciate that a six-speed manual is the standard transmission. The 460-hp/420-lb-ft Coyote V8 revs all the way to 7,500 rpm and has a superb sounding audio soundtrack from the tuned growling, burbling exhaust. With the ten-speed automatic transmission, this 5.0-liter Mustang GT is fast – delivering a 0- 96kph dash in a scant 4.3 seconds. The Coyote V8 has a 7,500-rpm redline
The Mustang GT offers good driving dynamics, with balanced ride and decent enough handling, In the GT Premium, you can fine-tune your driving experience with the five selectable driving modes: Normal, Sport+, Track, Drag Strip, or Snow/Wet.
However, you parse it, even a short trip to the store takes on new meaning as the 5.0L V8 barks up on start and settles into a menacing growl. One gains a visceral pleasure when you stab the throttle and get rewarded by an eager rush of power. Behave yourself and drive moderately and the V8 thumps away at 2,000 rpm all day long barely breaking a sweat. With the power top down its an exhilarating experience! You might sweat however when you fill up with gas! But if only a V8 will do for you, fuel economy numbers may not be an issue. The Mustang V8 5.0L has a fuel economy figure of: (Regular 87) 16.2 / 10.0 / 13.4 L / 100 km city / highway / combined.
To sum up, yes there are other Sports coupes out there that are more refined , but the Mustang is part of the holy trinity of classic American muscle cars that endure to this day, namely: The Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and the Chevrolet Camaro. The Mustang has personality, image, and a pedigree that’s impeccable. You can go from mild to wild with various engines and trims. The GT is the one to get of you can handle the V8’s fuel economy. Affordable in it base and mid – trim levels the Mustang GT is incredible value for money if you look at the power and performance. An American icon and deservedly so. Highly recommended. 2021 Ford Mustang GT V8 Convertible
Base price: $54,490. Price as tested $64,540 with options.
WEBSITE: www.ford.ca
