The new Ford Mustang GT steps confidently into its seventh generation, upholding over 60 years of storied legacy while bringing modern flair to every corner of its design, performance, and technology. And finally, we got our hands on it!
From the outset, this new Mustang asserts itself with a low brow front fascia that projects an aggressive, menacing stance. The tri-bar LED headlights and revamped splitters enhance airflow for a monstrous engine tucked underneath. The new bonnet vents only add to its muscular charm (who doesn’t love functional aggression?) Meanwhile, the rear pays homage to its 1960s roots, featuring wider arches, a sloping back, a flip tail, and modernised tri-bar taillights with a light display welcoming you to the car. Oh and quad exhaust tips that add a signature growl, promise excitement before you even turn the key.
The Mustang GT packs Ford’s reworked 5.0L Gen 4 Coyote V8 engine, delivering an impressive 362 kW (approximately 485 horsepower) and 567 Nm of torque. Featuring dual air intakes and dual throttle bodies, this engine is as potent as it is ‘unrefined’. It’s not about practicality or fuel economy, this is pure, unapologetic Mustang muscle.
Inside, the new Mustang effortlessly blends classic touches with cutting-edge tech. Dominated by new dual screens, the dashboard moves away from traditional double-cowled designs, offering a cleaner, more futuristic layout. Yet, it retains vintage charm with features like a retro-styled gear shifter and a parking brake cleverly adapted for modern performance applications. The steering wheel and materials feel high-quality, while customisation options abound, letting drivers tailor exhaust modes, multiple gauges and driving dynamics to their liking.
As for the back seats, they’re best left for backpacks, this is a sports car built for the driver.
Where the real magic happens is behind the wheel. The digital cluster offers customisable themes, from modern racetrack-focused layouts to nostalgia-inducing gauges inspired by vintage Mustangs like the ‘60s classics, Fox Body, and SVT Cobra. Driving modes provide on-the-fly adaptability, while features like track apps, line lock, and a drift mode make it easy to let loose on a track. Combine this with a chassis designed for spirited driving, and the Mustang GT brings the pure joy of driving into 2025.
The driving experience in the new Ford Mustang GT is nothing short of exhilarating, blending modern innovation with classic Mustang spirit. The 5.0L V8 delivers a thrilling raw, visceral quality that propels the car off the line with authority. The explosive power is complemented by a deep, guttural exhaust note, ensuring every drive is a sensory delight.
Dynamic driving features elevate the experience further. Launch control allows precise and rapid starts, while the line-lock system engages the rear wheels for burnouts, heating up the tires for track-ready performance. The car’s intuitive driving modes, including custom configurations, let you tailor the Mustang’s behavior to suit different driving scenarios, from casual cruising (as if) to all-out track aggression. Notably, auxiliary gauges display performance metrics such as air mixture and header temps, crucial for fine-tuning its performance during spirited driving.
Handling-wise, the Mustang GT remains true to its muscle car DNA, it’s engaging and brutally fun but demands respect. In track-focused modes, the car can feel wild and tail-happy, and without proper control, there’s a real risk of facing the wrong direction on the street. However, the connected feedback through the steering and braking ensures drivers remain in touch with the road, preserving a tactile, engaging experience that’s becoming rare in modern vehicles.
Despite its unapologetic focus on performance, the Mustang GT offers practicality in its day-to-day usability. Enhanced ADAS features, such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition, add a layer of modern ease. Though these systems occasionally feel intrusive, they situate the car comfortably between its traditional design philosophy and contemporary expectations.
Ultimately, the Mustang GT’s driving experience is as much about the emotional connection as the mechanical precision. It’s a car for enthusiasts who revel in the joy of driving, blending ferocity, nostalgia, and cutting-edge tech into a single package. Whether roaring through backroads or impressing at car meets, this seventh-generation Mustang continues its legacy with style and spirit.
The V8 delivers a visceral experience, with few competitors in today’s market able to replicate the character and soul of this naturally aspirated engine. It’s a heartfelt callback to a time when the roar of a V8 defined motoring, but balanced with modern tech and refinement. And yes, I did love it.
