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FORD Mustang GT Convertible (2018)

450 hp | 530 NM | 1,780 kg

210 km/h | 1.02 g (transverse) | -0.89 g (longitudinal)

2:16,5

SHORT CHARACTERISTICS
You can safely call the Mustang an icon! Because when you think of American cars, it inevitably comes to mind as the founder of the so-called "Pony Cars". Even if, especially in Europe, 450 hp is certainly more likely to make you think of a "muscle car". 

TEST CONDITIONS

  • Weather: 17°, dry
  • Car occupancy Persons: 2

Test values

  • Lap time Pannonia Ring: 2:16,5 min
  • Top speed: 210 km/h

DIFFERENCES FROM THE SERIES
Premium Package
20" rims

Technology

  • Engine / Cylinder / Displacement: Petrol / V8 / 5,038 cc
  • Rated power: 450 hp at 7,000 rpm
  • Max. Torque: 530 Nm at 4,600 rpm
  • Drive / Gearbox: Rear / 10-speed A - paddle shifters
  • Unladen weight (DIN): 1,820 kg
  • Power-to-weight ratio: 4.04 kg/hp
  • Tyres: FALKEN Azenis FK510 H: 275/35 ZR20
  • Tyres: FALKEN Azenis FK510 V: 255/35 ZR20

MILEAGE (FACTORY SPECIFICATIONS)

  • Top speed: 250 km/h governed
  • 0-100 km/h: 4.8 sec

LIST PRICE
approx. EUR 155.000,--

Markos Statement

The Ford Mustang GT Convertible is certainly not a track tool in the true sense of the word. Nevertheless, I was curious to see how the car would drive on the racetrack, because a naturally aspirated engine with 450 hp from a 5-litre V8 sounds like a lot of fun on the one hand, but on the other hand the Mustang is one of those cars that is difficult to assess in advance in terms of its performance on the racetrack. One push on the start button reveals: the 5.0 GT thinks little of downsizing and forced ventilation and acknowledges the decision for the V8 with a wonderful engine sound that draws from the full. It also cuts a good figure on the racetrack in other respects: it surprises positively with neutral handling and a torsionally stiff body. The brakes, too, have no problems with the 1.8-ton convertible, can be dosed well and pack a punch. Only the 10-speed automatic is not really convincing. It may save fuel in normal driving, but on the racetrack it's just "too much" because you're constantly looking for the right gear! The ergonomics are okay, as are the seats, although a little more lateral support wouldn't go amiss.

In terms of quality and feel, one should not forget that we are actually sitting in a car that costs just 40,000 USD in the USA and a good double that in Austria due to all the taxes. Seen in this light, the overall package is clearly right, even by European standards. The lap time of 2:16.5 can be described as fast and the FALKEN tyres felt a bit overtaxed. It would be interesting to see whether Michelins or Pirellis could break the 2:15 barrier.

CONCLUSION: An emotionally appealing car that is a lot of fun, even on the race track. Its main area of use, however, is certainly on winding country roads or mountain roads, where, especially in the open-top version, it can show off its strengths to the full thanks to a great engine sound and sufficient power, bringing a grin to your face with every burst of the throttle.