It may not have the power of a GT, Bullitt or Shelby GT500 but the Mustang EcoBoost with the optional high-performance package will leave any potential owner thoroughly satisfied. We were recently testing out the 2.3-liter inline-4 turbo EcoBoost, pumping out 330 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 350 pounds-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. Basically, it is a Focus RS powertrain.
Add MagneRide adaptive dampers to smoothen rough surfaces, 19-inch Pirelli Corsa summer tires and a 3.55 Torsen limited-slip rear axle and you are in for a thrill of a ride. Standard was the seamless six-speed manual gearbox. Drive modes in the fully-lined cloth convertible include normal, sport, snow/wet, track and drag strip.
An independent double-ball-joint MacPherson strut front and integral-link with coil springs rear suspension isolates occupants from road noise. Guiding the classic American muscle car toward its destination is a three-mode electric power, rack-and-pinion steering system.
That this is the ever-recognizable Mustang is evident as you stare at the long, sculpted hood meeting a blacked-out grille with the offset tri-bar pony crest while 2.3L High Performance Package badges deck up on both front sides. And if you step back, you will admire the eye-catching three-LED bar sequential blinking signal light.
The cabin is equally pleasing with the traditional dual-cowl-style dashboard and easy-to-toggle switches. Sync 3, which accesses audio, telephone, nav controls via a voice command, 8-inch touchscreen tap or button click, is simple to use. Standard amenities include dual auto AC, leather seats, manual tilt/telescopic steering column, power windows and locks, ambient lights, two USB ports and push-button start.
Dual front and side airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbag, rearview camera, four-wheel anti-lock brakes with electronic stability and traction control, front and rear three-point seatbelts, tire pressure monitor and daytime running light come at no extra cost.
The iconic Mustang is renowned for being exciting and nimble to engage with while having a cool and hands-on feel to the cabin, and it has always been sold at an unbeatable price. The same applies to the EcoBoost and the alluring high-performance bundle, which will impress even the hardcore GT and Bullitt fans.
