Mustang GT/CS convertible easy to live with
Look at the Mini Cooper, Chrysler PT Cruiser and VW Beetle- or don't, because they're old news, having fallen out of the realm of exciting retro-rods and into that of standard familiarity. Sometimes, cars like this are a bit like diapers: they're quickly outgrown, and it's hard to keep them fresh for long.
Because of the look, you might be forgiven for thinking Ford's Mustang falls into the same category- but it's not a resurrected retro-ride because it never actually left the market. It's old, but certainly not stale- and special editions like the GT California Special help keep things new.
Special upgrades include a great new bumper, hood and side scoops, and special striping. Despite the public's growing familiarity with the new age Stang, the blue and grey GT CS tester turned heads with ease. It's a striking and significant car- and even the inherent visual weakness of many convertibles is lost in the body upgrades.
Sound effects and special effects
If the look doesn't cause every head within a block to turn, the sound will, as Mustang GT comes with two fantastic stereo systems.
The first, called the Shaker 500, was hooked up with a 6-CD changer and satellite radio receiver. It's got enough power to re-align the suspension in your neighbors Kia, and came with a touch-screen navigation system to keep occupants on course and entertained.
The second stereo system is mechanical. It's an award-winning 4.6 litre V8 with 300 horsepower. Using a 3-valve per cylinder setup, it loves to breathe and isn't shy about making itself heard. Row the five-speed manual's gears and push toward redline, and the V8 positively wails as the speed piles on.
It's one of the best sounding American engines out there, and made me happy to have ears- especially with the extra sound entering the cabin with the roof down. Dig in your spurs and acceleration is strong though not excessive, as the convertible Mustang is a portly car.
In addition to the ambience created by the V8 engine and punchy stereo, owners can customize their instrument cluster with Ford's MyColor system, allowing the gauges to be backlit in any color imaginable. It's an interesting distraction.
Look at the Mini Cooper, Chrysler PT Cruiser and VW Beetle- or don't, because they're old news, having fallen out of the realm of exciting retro-rods and into that of standard familiarity. Sometimes, cars like this are a bit like diapers: they're quickly outgrown, and it's hard to keep them fresh for long.
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| California Special package adds many things such as side scoops, unique tape stripes and larger air intake. |
Because of the look, you might be forgiven for thinking Ford's Mustang falls into the same category- but it's not a resurrected retro-ride because it never actually left the market. It's old, but certainly not stale- and special editions like the GT California Special help keep things new.
Special upgrades include a great new bumper, hood and side scoops, and special striping. Despite the public's growing familiarity with the new age Stang, the blue and grey GT CS tester turned heads with ease. It's a striking and significant car- and even the inherent visual weakness of many convertibles is lost in the body upgrades.
Sound effects and special effects
If the look doesn't cause every head within a block to turn, the sound will, as Mustang GT comes with two fantastic stereo systems.
The first, called the Shaker 500, was hooked up with a 6-CD changer and satellite radio receiver. It's got enough power to re-align the suspension in your neighbors Kia, and came with a touch-screen navigation system to keep occupants on course and entertained.
The second stereo system is mechanical. It's an award-winning 4.6 litre V8 with 300 horsepower. Using a 3-valve per cylinder setup, it loves to breathe and isn't shy about making itself heard. Row the five-speed manual's gears and push toward redline, and the V8 positively wails as the speed piles on.
It's one of the best sounding American engines out there, and made me happy to have ears- especially with the extra sound entering the cabin with the roof down. Dig in your spurs and acceleration is strong though not excessive, as the convertible Mustang is a portly car.
In addition to the ambience created by the V8 engine and punchy stereo, owners can customize their instrument cluster with Ford's MyColor system, allowing the gauges to be backlit in any color imaginable. It's an interesting distraction.
 |
| With the top down, you will be able to hear the melodious sound of the 4.6L V8. |