2005 Ford Mustang GT Coupe

Now 4.4-inches longer than its predecessor, with a 6.0-inch longer wheelbase, the '05 Mustang boasts greatly-improved suspension and steering, and a modular overhead cam, aluminum block, 4.6-liter, SOHC 300-hp V-8 with three-valve aluminum heads and variable cam timing. The new engine weighs 75 pounds less than the '04 V-8. This lusty mill pumps out 320 lb.-ft. of meaty torque @ 4,500 rpm.


Ultra-modern, and highly-refined, the new engine boasts coil-on-plug ignition, dual knock sensors, electronic fuel injection, with a dual-bore throttle body, a composite single runner intake with charge motion control valves, cracked powdered metal connecting rods with floating wristpins and, best of all, with the five-speed manual, it delivers 19/28-mpg fuel economy on regular 87 octane fuel. Alternatively, a spirited 245-cid, 210-hp, 4.0-liter SOHC V-6 is available, and it's no slouch. Both engines are supported on new liquid-filled engine mounts that are tuned to subdue unwanted vibration.

The '05 GT boasts a modular overhead cam, aluminum block, 4.6-liter, SOHC 300-hp V-8.

Ford's engineers carefully refined classic Mustang suspension components to provide incomparable handling for a solid axle car. Tuned MacPherson struts in front, an updated live rear axle with three trailing links (a central torque arm and two trailing arms), and a stiff Panhard rod, provide sharp, Euro-coupe handling. A low 355:1 rear end ratio delivers fast stoplight launches with no axle wrap-up. Weight distribution is a very decent 54/46 for the V-8. An aluminum hood saves even more weight. Climbing the tortuous Angeles Crest highway, north of Los Angeles, the new Mustang slalomed confidently through the tightest curves, repeatedly dashing from zero to 60 in less than 5.5 seconds. We reveled in this car's crisp, sure-footed handling.


Top speed is an estimated 145 mph, but you'll have a lot more fun at half that velocity, barreling the Mustang into tight curves, then unwinding the sharp rack, nicely weighted, power rack-and-pinion steering, as you head for the next road challenge.


The well-positioned Tremec 5-speed features racer-short throws, a ball-shaped shifter that begs to be hammered along with pedals that are perfectly placed for a heel-toe ballet. The 5-speed optional automatic with a powerful new control computer communicates with the engine's complex electronics some 10 times faster, ensuring swift, precise shifts. The oversized brakes are virtually fadeproof—they're ventilated discs, front and rear, with twin-piston front calipers. An optional all-speed intelligent traction control system is available, and at the touch of button, you can disconnect it for optimal drag strip performance.