Quick facts
- The power of the 2013 GT equipped with a 5 liter V8 reaches 420hp at 6500 rpm producing a maximum torque of 390 lb-ft at 4250 rpm with premium gas
- “Track Apps” in the brand new Ford allow you to measure the acceleration time, gravity forces and braking distances.
- New V6 Mustangs are a little cheaper than the previous models, starting at $22,200, while the V8 prices are over 30 thousand
Traditionally for Ford, in 2013 we are going to have a new revision of Mustang. What are the perspectives for the updated pony car? We decided to go to Portland and personally test the new Mustang to find it out.
New great looks
Though designers did not make a revolution in the new Mustang look, fans will definitely see the changes. For example, the front edge received a new radiator enclosure and the GT modification has a restyled hood scoop. The rocker panels are body colored for all models, and front and rear optics now have LEDs. Ford engineers also improved the aerodynamics of the car for better control at high speeds.If these improvements are not enough, you can enhance the look of your Mustang GT by new alloy wheels available in 12 variations, 3 of which are absolutely new.
Which one is right for you?
Lots of options are available for the 2013 Mustang: you can choose from either coupe or convertible, as well as from 4 engines. The supercharged Shelby GT500 and Boss 302 are supplemented with the 3.7-liter V6 or, if that doesn’t suit your needs, the fantastic 5.0-liter V8.The naturally aspirated V6 is the same as in the previous models, with 305hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Concerning the 2012 5.0l engine, it has some improvements: using premium fuel you get 420hp at 6500 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque, regulars fuel will lower the power to 402hp and the torque to 377 lb-ft.
The gearbox is available in the following variations: six-speed manual or an automatic SelectShift transmission. Though Mustang’s V8 engine produces the coolest sound on its own, you can also enjoy the beats coming from 370W of 500W stereo sound system. The Recaro sport seats that were only available with the GT500 can be now installed an all Mustang GT models.
For a more confident ride at higher speeds, you can pick a Performance Package available for the V6 model. The package includes suspension and brakes upgrades, such as sturdier front springs, high-performance brake calipers and friction pads and also stability optimizations like sway bars at the rear and front and a strut tower brace. The exterior distinctive features of the Performance Package are exclusively painted alloy wheels and new black mirrors.
Track Apps and transmission
New Mustangs come with some modern cool features named “Track Apps”. This interesting option adds more fun to driving your muscle car: now you can measure the performance of your car, such as acceleration from 0 to 60 mph and from 0 to 100mph. Apart from that, the sensors measure the G-force and your braking distance.Recording different performance figures is an exciting feature, but the coolest stuff we liked the most was the “Countdown Start”. If you have ever seen drag racing, you surely remember the tree of lights that counts moments before the start. Now you have it in your car, and as soon as the last light turns green, you can start your own racing. However, beware that such a gimmick can lead you to a hefty fee for speeding violation.
The time limits made us give the ability to test only one of all the 2013 Mustang models, and, as you can guess, we could have chosen nothing but the GT.
The model that came to our tests was equipped with an automatic SelectShift transmission, as painful it may sound for dedicated muscle car fans. But since there are many people who don’t like shifting gears, Ford provides this ability in Mustang.
The shifting mechanism allows you to select gears as you like, pressing the “plus” or “minus” buttons situated on the gear lever. To say that we didn’t like the automatic is to say nothing. Judge by yourself: there is no feeling of the shifter, even no moving parts, just small buttons.
It is confusing why the engineers didn’t use at least paddle shifters like in most cars of that class. When we asked people from Ford about it, the answer was quite simple: the transmission is not that responsive as you may wish, and using the paddle shifters will only emphasize the delays.
Another question to the Ford reps was about the twin clutch transmission that is already available for the company’s small cars. The reply was just a silent smile, so whether we will have a Mustang with a dual clutch, remains a mystery.
Summing up, everyone who wants an automatic in a Mustang, you have this opportunity. Hopefully, it has some positive sides as well: it works smoothly in normal mode, and in sports mode it leaves the right to change gear as you wish, even if the rev indicator arrow is in the red zone.
Street test drive
The weather has made its substantial effect: it was raining during the entire test drive. Apart from driving on the wet road, we had a route full of twists and turns, which didn’t give us the ability to test the performance of the GT on its maximum.Nevertheless, we've got a lot of satisfaction driving the Mustang. Surprisingly, the construction of the live rear axle is just great, everything works fine even at high speeds.
The electronic stability systems help you to control the car but still gives the driving feeling and freedom when you want to have some fun. The traction control does not interfere too early, giving the ability to drift, and starts working only when it’s necessary.
Mustang has always been a driver’s car that can deliver lots of fun to its owner, and it is great that Ford engineers keep this tradition.
Another good thing that they preserved is the growling exhaust note peculiar to the model. It is pleasing that the sound of the 2013 Mustang has become even better than before.
In the end, is this Mustang a perfect car? Even though there are some improvements, it’s not. The steering wheel could be more ergonomic, the brakes and the interior still leave more to be desired.
The verdict
The price for the base 2013 V6 cope starts from the $22 000 mark. A convertible will be a $5000 dearer option, and if the standard manual is not your choice, be prepared to add $1,195 for the SelectShift transmission.The awesome 5.0L V8 Mustang GT, that we like the most, costs at least $30 300, but this is a reasonable price for the satisfaction it gives to the driver.
Finally, we think that Mustang really deserves the attention it receives. We don’t know if it will have the same sales as the record-setter, but would be glad to make our own contribution.
Pros
- Great looks
- Cool sounding V8
- Track Apps
- Recaro sport seats
Cons
- Breaks cold be better
- Excessively large steering wheel
- Out-of-date interior
- Disappointing automatic transmission
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