Experience Rolling Thunder in the 2018 Mustang GT [Video Review]

Ford’s refreshed Mustang GT is here! Is it possibly the best GT to date?

Since the 1960s, pony cars have coursed through Americans’ veins. They’re as intrinsic a part of our cultural identity as baseball, apple pie, NASCAR…you get the picture. Ford’s Mustang defined the breed in 1964, and is the only one of its kind to survive and thrive, unimpeded, for over 52 years. Now, there’s a new version for the upcoming model year. The 2018 Mustang GT is a refreshed version of the sixth-generation Mustang, on sale since 2015. So, what’s different about this model? Is it still a pony car standard-bearer? And, as this is another evolution of the breed, could it be the best Mustang GT to date? TFLcar, with the help of our friends over at American Muscle, help us find out. Check out their website for all the parts you need to modify your Mustang!

2018 Mustang GT
The 2018 Mustang GT features a revised fascia, updated engines and interior upgrades. [Photo: Ford]

What’s New for the 2018 Mustang GT?

Externally, the new Mustang GT isn’t radically different to the outgoing 2017 model. However, Ford revised the front and rear fascias to give the Mustang a more angular, aggressive look. The headlights – which were a point of contention when the 2015 model debuted – have been chiseled to give the Mustang a more serious, purposeful look. On the GT, the addition of a rear spoiler gives the car some extra downforce as it nears its 155 MPH (limited) top speed.

As far as getting to that top speed, buyers now have just two engine choices, rather than three. Ford dropped the Cyclone V6 for 2018, so you now have the option of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four or the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 in the GT. Ford upped the torque for the EcoBoost by 30 lbs.-ft. (to 350). Most Americans will opt for the good ol’ V8, however. On that front, Ford has eked 25 more horsepower out of the engine for 2018. Choose the GT, and you’ll now have 460 horsepower at your disposal. The Coyote unit can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a ten-speed automatic.

Another significant feature on the 2018 Mustang GT is the available MagneRide suspension. This option is available on all Mustangs as part of the Performance Package, regardless of engine choice. Even if you don’t opt for that, all new Mustangs get new shock absorbers, slightly revised rear suspension and upgraded stabilizer bars to improve ride and handling.

Extensive Personalization Options

Ford has never skimped on options with this new one follows that tradition. Potential owners can choose from a wide array of exterior colors, packages, and alloy wheels. On that last one, you can choose from 12 different wheel options for the new Mustang. Among the new exterior colors are Orange Fury – pictured above – Royal Crimson and Kona Blue.

2018 Mustang GT
[Photo: Ford]

Let’s talk instrument clusters.

Moving inside the Mustang, the first thing potential buyers will notice is the revised instrument cluster. The old-style analog gauges have gone – in their place on the 2018 Mustang GT is a 12-inch digital display. Like the cluster in the Ford GT, its configurable every which way to suit the driver’s needs. Changing drive modes will bring the most important information front and center for a particular driving situation.

What’s It Going to Cost Me?

The 2018 Mustang GT starts around $39,000. The less expensive EcoBoost model comes in cheaper, starting around $26,000. As tested, the 2018 Mustang GT TFLcar reviewed comes in near $50,000. That includes the optional MagneRide suspension, the digital instrument cluster, and the Performance Package, among other options. Spec it out to the fullest, and you’ll be looking at a $56,000 bill. Whichever Mustang you choose, they’re available at dealerships now.

2018 Mustang GT

Is It the Best Mustang GT ever?

So, it’s time to come back around to the question brought forth at the top of this review. Is this generation the best Mustang GT ever? It’s certainly worth some consideration on sound alone. The GT’s V8 sounds like glorious thunder as it devours the road. This car’s performance envelope is greater than most drivers can handle on a public road. There is plentiful low-end torque, but the V8 loves the revs as the power builds to the peak 460 hp.

The GT with the performance pack sticks through the corners, but the 3,700 lbs plus of curb weight can be felt as the car transitions from one corner to the next. The car feels direct and far more capable than the California highway speed limit allows.

If you are looking for more nimble performance, the EcoBoost Mustang is where it’s at. The spec sheet says that the 2.3L turbo Mustang with the 10-speed automatic weighs nearly 200 lbs less than the V8, but it feels ever more light and precise. It’s worth driving both versions of the Mustang, but the sound and the performance of the Mustang GT is undeniably sweet.

What do you think of the new Mustang, GT or otherwise? Let us know in the comments below!

As always, thank you for watching (and reading) this review. Check back to the TFLcar site and subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube! Stay tuned for more news, views, and reviews of your favorite new models! Also check out American Muscle, our sponsor for this video review, and purveyors of all the parts you need to improve your Mustang.