At this time I was also appreciative of the car's superb brakes. I'm a bit miffed that ABS is optional, but I suppose we're back at that cheap as borscht price point again -
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| After getting mighty close to being an MVA statistic, I'm a believer in the Mustang's intelligent electronic driver aids. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
fair enough. Stock equipment includes four vented discs, at least, 293 by 30 mm (11.4 by 1.2 inches) in front and 300 by 19 mm (11.8 by 0.8 inches) in the rear in V6 trim, and 316 by 30 mm (12.4 by 1.2 inches) in front and the same 300 by 19 mm (11.8 by 0.8 inches) in the rear when upgraded to the GT. All calipers are 43 mm and floating, with those in front twin-piston and aluminum and those out back single-piston and iron. When equipped with ABS they're especially talented despite a person's driving skills or lack thereof, as witnessed personally, a system that's combined with Ford's excellent "intelligent" traction control system. What makes it intelligent? Sensors detect whether the road surface is slippery or not, and if dry will allow some tire spin if driver induced. Of course there's a dash-mounted defeat button which I couldn't help but try out. Want my advice? Unless you're Super-Mario leave it engaged. The Mustang GT is way too nice a car to crack up, and after getting mighty close to being an MVA statistic I'm a believer in the Mustang's intelligent electronic driver aids. After experiencing one of the best roads in the world get butchered so brutally in a car that was obviously quite capable of dancing like Salsa star Edie Espinoza, if hooked up with the right partner that is, I chose to turn the car around and pilot it back through the mountain road in the opposite direction. Was I ever glad I did, as this was the moment I became a Mustang convert. While I'm nowhere near a professional race driver, lacking the hours behind the wheel needed to become so and no doubt the inherent talent all top-level drivers somehow magically come equipped with from God Himself, experience has taught me to be as smooth as possible on and off the throttle, clutch and brake pedal, and that maximum velocity does not
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| The GT let me keep up a momentum I would be reluctant to attempt in most other cars, this side of the exotics. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
necessarily translate into maximum speed over an entire distance. I therefore approached the famed roadway at a fast pace, but doing my utmost to respond to what I felt, and now feel is a very communicative chassis and steering setup. The GT let me keep up a momentum I would be reluctant to attempt in most other cars, this side of the exotics or, lest I forget, two particularly inspired race-replica pocket rockets with World Rally Championship heritage. What's even more important, I felt totally in control at all times and completely comfortable at speed. At the end of the mountain pass, which takes about 10 minutes from end to end at posted speeds, I turned the car around for another go. What a superb suspension setup! It can really make a decent driver shine, having me feel like a much more competent pilot than I really deserve credit for. OK Ford, I'm a believer, there's still life left in solid axle rear ends.
