The Mustang might still have a retro look to it, but Ford keeps updating things. New for 2018, in Ford’s words: “refreshed front and rear-end design that delivers a leaner, meaner look and improved aerodynamics…”
What else is new for this performance icon? Lots. How about 460 horsepower for the V8 and 310 for the EcoBoost four. Or an optional 10-speed automatic transmission plus a Drag Strip model. Or the available all-digital gauge cluster. Or the Active Valve Performance Exhaust system. Or richer interior appointments. Or refined suspension tuning.
More stuff we learned from the press kit:
A dozen different wheel styles are now available. (Remember when it was either mags or steelies?)
The manual transmissions for both engines have been upgraded to handle increased torque while providing smoother shifts.
Line lock is standard with both engines, too. (Only for closed courses, kids.)
Our test car was delivered pretty much the way we’d want one: a GT hardtop with the manual transmission and Track Pack. The color combo was black over black with black wheels.
We tested a Premium model, too, so it was a bit loaded. How loaded? Base sticker was $39,095. Options included the Premier trim with voice-activated navigation ($2200), Mage-Ride damping ($1695), GT Performance Package ($3995) and Recaro seats ($1595). Final price after delivery was $53,160.
Our tester was fairly loaded and stickered at $53k. For another $4000, would you rather have a base Cayman?
As another counter-point, the M2 starts from $54,500.
How did the car without the Magne-Ride compare to the car that had it?
Line lock closed course? Buhahahahaha!!!!!
In reply to David S. Wallens :
I’m glad to see a manufacture offer so many options/option combos!
That price is 996 GT3 territory. Just sayin'
markwemple said:
That price is 996 GT3 territory. Just sayin'
15-year old German car vs. a brand new car with a warranty. Apples and oranges.
I was impressed with them when I was at Ford.
JimS
Reader
6/5/18 8:08 a.m.
Can be had for less money. Try buying Cayman at it's base price.
I'm impressed with the power upgrades, but I might be in the minority when saying that the visual upgrades of the 2018 are not as appealing as the 2015-17 cars. While I like the vented hood, the front fascia seems to be elongated with a new "snout", and that spoiler looks like something off of a 1994 Grand Am. That said, I'm sure 5 minutes behind the wheel with 460hp under my right foot would make me look past this.
^^ Totally agree. But facelifts and new body styles come around for me after about a year.
Add E85 and a tune and it's approaching stocky VooDoo wheel hp numbers as well.
Tom_Spangler said:
markwemple said:
That price is 996 GT3 territory. Just sayin'
15-year old German car vs. a brand new car with a warranty. Apples and oranges.
Also I think the GT is faster around most road courses.
Tom_Spangler said:
markwemple said:
That price is 996 GT3 territory. Just sayin'
15-year old German car vs. a brand new car with a warranty. Apples and oranges.
85 944 - 14 SHO - 15 Expedition
Also a 996 GT3 for $50K is a beat to hell one. Nice onces are still $65-75K
Tony Sestito said:
I'm impressed with the power upgrades, but I might be in the minority when saying that the visual upgrades of the 2018 are not as appealing as the 2015-17 cars. While I like the vented hood, the front fascia seems to be elongated with a new "snout", and that spoiler looks like something off of a 1994 Grand Am. That said, I'm sure 5 minutes behind the wheel with 460hp under my right foot would make me look past this.
Agreed. I thought I’d come around on the new nose eventually, but then I saw a 2017 and a 2018 parked right next to each other at the local dealership. Holy crap it looks bad in a direct comparison. I really hope there was a functional reason for this redesign, like when the Charger got a new nose for aerodynamics when the Hellcat came out.
Pete Gossett said:
In reply to David S. Wallens :
I’m glad to see a manufacture offer so many options/option combos!
I know. Still, though, I'd probably go for the Bullitt. :)
wearymicrobe said:
Tom_Spangler said:
markwemple said:
That price is 996 GT3 territory. Just sayin'
15-year old German car vs. a brand new car with a warranty. Apples and oranges.
Also I think the GT is faster around most road courses.
And make it a Level 2 Performance Pack with an E85 tune and it will be a hammer around a track.
