Ford have finally launched the Mustang GT pony car in India at Rs 65 lakh (ex-Delhi).
The Mustang GT is India’s first proper American muscle car. While we drove the Mustang EcoBoost earlier, we didn’t really expect to see the V8-powered GT here, till one was spotted in homologation at the ARAI in Pune. After the Auto Expo, all rumours had been put to rest, and the Mustang GT is here for those who have not just pockets deep enough, but also the want enough for a legend in the automotive scene.
The Ford Mustang GT launched in India sports the typically aggressive pony-car styling and, of course, a big V8. Under the hood is a 4,951-cc naturally-aspirated 32-valve eight-cylinder Ti-VCT petrol unit making 401 PS and 515 Nm. ‘Ti-VCT’ is Ford’s twin independent variable camshaft timing – ‘twin’ meaning variable timing for both intake and exhaust valves. A Getrag six-speed automatic transmission powers the rear axle. That means 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds. You also get large brake rotors bitten by Brembo callipers, and mixed rubber on some seriously sharp alloy wheels.
The Mustang offers seating for four and all the creature comforts you would need. The interior feels solid and that is further amplified by the chunky steering wheel and sporty dials. There is also Ford’s SYNC 2 with an 8-inch touchscreen display. Read more about the interior in our first drive of the Mustang EcoBoost.
This Mustang is the sixth-generation model – the first to be offered with right-hand-drive – following five generations of the Mustang, the first of which was launched in 1962. What’s so important about this Mustang is it puts several clichés to rest; about American muscle cars in particular. Gas-guzzler? The 5.0-litre V8 may drink more, but it’s cleaner and still more efficient than its predecessors. Furthermore, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost turbo-petrol, which we drove in Germany, is even more efficient, while offering as much power and torque as some previous V8 models, let alone more than the base V6. Secondly, this Mustang was developed from scratch to be a better handler. Yes, that’s right.
There were just about 700 days to go before the global unveil when the rear suspension – archaeic non-independent units – were replaced with a new independent suspension. Performance went up dramatically, and, soon, the front suspension was improved, being replaced by an independent double-ball-joint MacPherson strut with a stabiliser bar. This not only improves dynamics on the move, but also benefits cornering immensely. You can feel the weight, but it behaves very well indeed. Look forward to the detailed first drive review in the forthcoming issue, and a proper road test a little later.
The Mustang GT will be available at select Ford dealers around the country. With the introduction of the Mustang, we hope Chevrolet and FIAT Chrysler watch the market with eyes wide open. After all, a Camaro SS and Challenger SRT are not impossible to bring here now, are they? First mover advantage to Ford, then!
Need to Know – Ford Mustang GT A/T
Price: Rs 65 lakh (ex-showroom)
Specs:
Engine: 5.0-litre, V8, naturally-aspirated, petrol
Max Power: 401 PS @ 6,500 RPM
Max Torque: 515 Nm @ 4,250 RPM
Transmission: Six-speed, automatic, rear-wheel-drive
Weight: 1,770 kg
Performance:
Power-to-weight Ratio: 226.55 PS/tonne
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): < 5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
Story: Jim Gorde
