Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 2018 first drive

Put simply, the Ford Mustang is a great way to stick out like a sore thumb. It’s big, it’s brash, and with a 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 under that long bonnet, it’s not what you’d call quiet, either. 

And, for 2018, it has been facelifted. Well, facelifted is a fairly loose term here, as the changes to this sixth-generation Ford Mustang - the first to be engineered with right-hand drive in mind - go largely unseen. So there’s a new-look face, but also now a digital speedometer, more safety equipment to help boost that disappointing two-star Euro NCAP safety rating, the option of a 10-speed automatic transmission and, perhaps most importantly, more power from that V8. 

Thanks to the introduction of a new dual-fuel, high-pressure direct-injection and low-pressure port fuel injection system, the Mustang now develops 444bhp at 7000rpm. By comparison, the original sixth-gen Mustang’s 5.0-litre V8 developed 410bhp. Torque remains the same, at 390lb ft from 4600rpm. Coupled with the gearbox, Ford claims it’s updated fastback is good for a 0-62mph time of 4.3 seconds and 155mph.

Ford’s engineers have also worked to sharpen up the Mustang’s handling characteristics. The shock absorbers have been re-tuned for greater stability through the twisties, while a new cross-axis joint helps to stiffen up the rear suspension. An adaptive MagneRide damping system has also been made available, although it’ll set you back £1600.

Measuring a smidge under 4.8 metres in length and 2.08 metres in width, you’re certainly conscious of the Mustang’s on-road footprint - more so in tight inner-city environments. It’s relatively heavy, too, weighing in at 1743kg with the six-speed manual and 1756kg with the optional ten-speed auto.

Then there’s the engine, and what an engine it is. Naturally aspirated V8s are a fast-dying breed, and those few that are still available should be savoured. At anything below about 3500rpm, it’s a lethargic and laid back powerplant that burbles away with a soundtrack that’s not too dissimilar from the rumble of distant thunder. Prod the throttle in too high a gear and you’ll find you won’t be heading anywhere too quickly. It’s an engine that requires a fair amount of manual labour on your part; you need to be on the ball with your shifts if you plan on making any progress. Thankfully, the six-speed manual is short in its throw, well-weighted and precise enough for the task of keeping the crank spinning at its optimal level.