As many of you motor heads may recall, I recently bought my wife a 35th Anniversey Mustang GT Convertable.  As things would have it, I needed a new key and door remote and found myself at the dealor looking at the the new GT.  A second trip to get the old remote reprogramed and I was hopelessly hooked.

Well I guess what is good for the goose is good for the gander!

Like Jay Leno, I bit the bullet.  Traded in my Dodge R/T and "Here's Jay!"



I bought the Torch Red GT pictured here with Jay Leno.  

Guys, If you are an old muscle car head and don't want to buy a new car, I highly suggest you stay the hell away from this car.  Its familliar retro styling doesn't stop with the exterior or interior but carries on into the new drive train.  The new 4.6L 3 valve 300 hp 320 ft/lbs of torque engine takes on a new feel with variable timing and 6,200 redline.  You heard me 6.2K redline.  What this means with all that Hp is a respectable low end torque and a 4K power band that when you hit it feels like the four barrell of yore kicking in.  I mean it will jerk your head back.  I hadn't driven a Pony car this much fun since the 71 Mach 1 351 Cleveland.  

Even though Ford extended the wheel to wheel to add 3 cu/ft more cargo and trunk space, the new suspension has it turning much tighter than its 35th Anniversery predicessor.  The shifter has been lowered and now tight as a rice burners or racing shiter.  Though twice the comfort of the 35th Anniversery (1999-2004), it still has excellent road feel and corners thanks to double sway bars fore and aft far better.  This is no slouch on the road at all and unlike most cars with the rated 0-60 mph something only a pro can hit, t his one get out your stop watch and time it.  It's rated between 5.1 sec and 5.5 sec depending on how much you weigh.  This means the new retro Pony car can't be touched in its price range and class except by the butt ugly GTO which the Pony will corner circles around.  The dissappointing Hemi Charger is a full second slower 0-60 and the vaunted Nisson Z a full half second slower.  Unlike its predecessors the new GT finally breaks the 14 second quarter mile putting it truly into the muscle car of the 60's range.  Not everything is given up for power.  The variable timing gives you this performance on 87 octane and a surprizing 25 mpg at 2.5K RPM at 80mph.   A shift to fouth and wow, right into the power band you go.

The retro styling continues into the interior with a brushed aluminum 60's style dash with big ass 60's style round gages.  That's about where the retro ends and the techno takes over.  The gage colors at night are adjustable over 125 colors.  The sports car drivers side electric seat with head forward headrest not only adjust the usual patterns to include lumbar support but up and down so that more leg room can be given behind the passenger.  When you turn on the Shaker 500 500 watt stereo you enter a new world of sound.  With its 6 CD MP3 capable stereo you have up to 60 hours of your favorite music without carrying a CD box.  Wind noise is all but eliminated by Fords unique use of a auto lower an inch and then go up an inch windows sealing the car everytime the door is opened and closed.  The latchable center console is deep enough for easy storage with room left over of a medium frame semiauto handgun.  Unlike most consoles pulling is almost like from a side holster.   With folding down split back seat, its also rifle friendly though a carbine would has no problem with the seat up due to the larger trunk.  

There's a reason that this is the hottest car on the market right now and its not just styling.  It turns heads as much as my old muscle cars.  The bad news is if you want one, you have to find one and forget incentives.  In fact, only the volume dealors are not only the ones dealing off sticker but not charging a premium.  Ford has upped its production from the typical 35th Anniversery 140,000 units a year to 180,000 units and maxed out production.  Of that number only 30% will be GTs and half of those convertables.  IMHO, You lose 1/3 of the retro styling with the convertable and the almost $5,000 cost adder to go convertable not that attractive.  The GT Premium can be had depending on options such as side airbags, brushed aluminum rims, Shaker 500 6 CD stereo, and all leather enterior is around $28,000.  

If you haven't noticed I am car head and buy a new car about every two to three years.  I waited patiently for the new Charger with high expectations to only find the new Pony car blows it away in every regard.  I couldn't be happier with this purchase for an OF like me that was use to the muscle era, I finally have a new car that not only looks it but feels it.

Hope you enjoyed the review.

Tj

I was looking at a 2005 GT tonite TJ. Black with dark red stripes..and a Vortech supercharger under the hood and a stick.

Quoted: I was looking at a 2005 GT tonite TJ. Black with dark red stripes..and a Vortech supercharger under the hood and a stick.

I would hold on that one pal.  Ford is suppose to introduce the Mach 1 and Cobra early next year with 5.4L engine modified to include the three valve variable valve timing heads.  

Projected sale price is less than the Saleen with supercharger and heck of a lot more horsepower.

Supercharged 4.6L is around 375hp.  

My choice on the GT was a balance of Hp and gas milage.  My R/T I traded in had a 0-60 in the mid 6 seconds which I could never hit personally but 200 hp 200 ft/lb engine got 30 mpg on the highway.  The GT does 0-60 in the low 5's which I can hit and measure with gas milage of about 25 mpg on the highway.  Where the R/T was classic Japanese front wheel drive car feel, the Mustang has a definate retro rear wheel drive  muscle car feel.  

Tj

Quoted: I like everything about the new Mustangs.  I gotta admit, even being a life long diehard Mopar guy, a new `Stang is what I would buy right now!  Maybe in the spring.....  I only need one more NFA toy first....

LOL, You have idea Gus.  I still wear my Mopar hat driving my Pony Car.

Once you get a close look and take it for a spin (literally), you're hooked.  This is one fast ass car with the most retro feel I've expereinced in a new car since 1974 and the last Mopar muscle came off the line.

PNYEXPS,

The car I traded in was a 2002 Stratus R/T which was an odd ball car only made in 2001 and 2002 and anything but a Dodge except the emblems.  Unlike todays Stratus R/T the first two years was intended to replace both the Mitsusbishi 3000 and Dodge Avenger being somewhere inbetween.  They were a Galant frame, double wishbone front and rear sway bar suspension, 3L Japan built imported drive train, no governor, and unique body styling wider in the front and slimmer in the back.    It was actually closer to the Charger concept that the new model Charger.  2003 Chrysler made the Stratus R/T a Stratus using the same body and frame as the Stratus couple, US built lower torque 3L, and ugly ass Stratus body.  Though a fun car and somewhat a sleeper since no one knew what it was, its performace peppy, it was an obscure car.  At the time I bought it, it was the second faster production Mopar behing the Viper.  The turboed Neon that came out later actually has the same specs but like the lame US Stratus has a 105 mph governor another dissappointment.  The Charger was the last and an old Mopar head me now drives a Ford.

Tj

Quoted: Nice Mustang.  I had a '99 35th Anni a few years back.  The new one is a HUGE improvement on the old Fox chassis. Enjoy yourself but keep an eye out for the Fuzz.

You mean something like this:



That's the wifes 35th Anniversery Convertable.  The SOHC 260hp has been modified to K&N Cold Air intake and Flowmaster welded racing cross over stainless exhaust system

Tj

Quoted: They are nice cars... not enough balls, IMHO, but fun to drive nonetheless.

Compared to what?

That's more Hp than has ever been put in a small block production Pony car ever and even more than many or not most of the large blocks includeing the vaunted 351 Cleveland of the early 70's.  

It's faster than the Nisson Z, BMW Z, and Charger R/T.   Only thng close is the butt ugly GTO at $5,000 more which btw the Mustang smokes on the curves or jump up into the $40,000 plus sports cars.

Its no Vette but it does have a back seat.

You want to talk modifieds, let's talk about my 440 69' Charger.  New cars, I'm happy with what I bought.

Go pee on someone elses parade.

Tj

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Nice Mustang.  I had a '99 35th Anni a few years back.  The new one is a HUGE improvement on the old Fox chassis. Enjoy yourself but keep an eye out for the Fuzz.   You mean something like this: show.imagehosting.us/show/709458/0/nouser_709/T0_-1_709458.JPG That's the wifes 35th Anniversery Convertable.  The SOHC 260hp has been modified to K&N Cold Air intake and Flowmaster welded racing cross over stainless exhaust system Tj That's the one 'cept mine was a black coupe. She was fun to drive.  I traded her in on an '02 Camaro SS in November of '01.  That was a faster car but the Mustang handled better and was put together more tightly and with better quality interior mat'ls. Mustangs always sound better, too.

Oh this is funny!  That was the other car we were looking at when when we bought the 35th Anniversery.  

My nephew bought the last year they built of the ram airs.  I often wish I had but like an idiot I was waiting on the Charger which I THOUGHT would be something close to the concept car.

BTW, You can forget finding a ram air on the lots around here.  Those people know what they have.

Tj

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: They are nice cars... not enough balls, IMHO, but fun to drive nonetheless. Compared to what? That's more Hp than has ever been put in a small block production Pony car ever and even more than many or not most of the large blocks includeing the vaunted 351 Cleveland of the early 70's.   It's faster than the Nisson Z, BMW Z, and Charger R/T.   Only thng close is the butt ugly GTO at $5,000 more which btw the Mustang smokes on the curves or jump up into the $40,000 plus sports cars. Its no Vette but it does have a back seat. You want to talk modifieds, let's talk about my 440 69' Charger.  New cars, I'm happy with what I bought. Go pee on someone elses parade. Tj He may be referring to the Evo and STI, neither of which would be cross-shopped with a Mustang, IMHO.  Different marketing target.

Could be buddy but still not more Hp or ft/lbs than the GT and I'm a tad too old for Fast and Furious rice burners.

Hell a Kawasaki Ninja is only around 130hp and will do the quarter in the low tens.  Apples to apples here guys.

Tj

Quoted: Quoted: I have some personal pics of the Cobra GT500 from a Ford conference.  Anybody want to see 'em? Do it!

+1 here!

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: They are nice cars... not enough balls, IMHO, but fun to drive nonetheless. Compared to what? That's more Hp than has ever been put in a small block production Pony car ever and even more than many or not most of the large blocks includeing the vaunted 351 Cleveland of the early 70's.   It's faster than the Nisson Z, BMW Z, and Charger R/T.   Only thng close is the butt ugly GTO at $5,000 more which btw the Mustang smokes on the curves or jump up into the $40,000 plus sports cars. Its no Vette but it does have a back seat. You want to talk modifieds, let's talk about my 440 69' Charger At least you have partial good tast in vehicles.  .  New cars, I'm happy with what I bought. Go pee on someone elses parade. Tj I think the new mustangs are pretty sweet and i'm not one to like the fords. you want a nice car, look at the Dodge SRT8.   6.1-liter HEMI® V8 engine 425 horsepower, 420 lb-ft of torque

I did bud.  The peformance was close to the same and the car simply doesn't cut the muscle car look.  It was actually the car I was holding off to buy.  Its a Magnum with a spoiler.

Knowing my luck they will come out with the Pepsi bottle body next year.

Tj

Whoa, very very nice!  Shame that will be out of my price range and gas I can afford.

Wish they would keep the GT fog lamps though but do like the ground effects.

You'll need the Shaker 1,000 in that car!

Oh you are so right, this is so much better



than this



or this even




Face it Dalmer screwed the pooch on the design.  This is coming from a thrid generation Mopar driver and still own three.

This is the concept car.  What the hell happened?



I would have been all over that car even close to it.

Tj

Quoted: Quoted: Whoa, very very nice!  Shame that will be out of my price range and gas I can afford. Wish they would keep the GT fog lamps though but do like the ground effects. You'll need the Shaker 1,000 in that car! The interior isn't as retro as the other Mustangs.  It has completely different gauges.  Personally, I prefer the retro gauges.  But seeing as how it isn't my price range either, it doesn't matter that much. Sure does sound sweet when it's idling.

You know even having grownup using those retro gages, it took some getting use to again.  Really like it now even the color change option but wasn't a show stopper, however the entire Retro thing is what sold me not only the look but power.

I do enjoy the better ride/handling of a modern car and especially the better gas milage.

Tj

Interesting experience last night guys.  After dropping off my son at a football game, the wife and I decide to go to dinner at the resturant closest to the weekly muscle car cruise in.  We put on our Mopar garb and hopped in our 2006 Mustang GT.   This was at the local mall.  Idea was eat, then go look at the classic cars and hot rods.

Not wanting door dings nor to be an asshole and take two spots, we parked close to the cruise in but not on the show line, locked the car up, and then walked to dinner.  When we came out there was like six people standing by our car waiting for us.  We spent the next three hours showing the car and barely got time to see the show.  I mean Geez, there was a Superbird there.  Most of this was fueled by the fact many there were regulars and had seen each ohter cars but all of them were muscle car heads looking at the new Mustang GT as a daily driver muscle car.  As cars would come and go, Mustangs of all sorts would pull beside ours for a side by side comparrison.  It was amazing the simililarities to the 71 Mach 1.  

There were a couple other new body style GTs dropping buy and like us had other Mustangs.  One guy showing a 65 told us about showing his 2006 at a show today as he compared options like he went with the 18" low profiles and I went with the more classic looking 17" higher profile tires, he didn't get side air bags nor the 6CD stereo, but I did ect.  He told a funny story of a friend who bought a Saleen last year and is already on his third rear end.  Asking what could be doing that, the guy replied neighbor, "It may have something to do with the miles or rubber on the road in front of your house."

Anyway, a simple dinner and visit a car show turned into a three hour night out with the new car really catching a heck of a lot of attention.  The most interesting cars at the show were of course the Bird car, a Willy's Hemi, and a 73 Heavy Modifified Charger with 440 HP Shaker Hood and 72 grill.  This guy did some heavy mods but it looked and sounded great.  As you may know this is Hot Rod country so couldn't even begin to tell you how many hot rods were there.  Some of those guys spend more on their paint jobs than most do on their cars, really nice cars.  The little hopped up rice burners kept cruising in and out (I don't mean winged mufflered bangers but the real hopped up little cars but didn't seem to care about showing as much as looking.)  The usual kid gangbanger not really modifieds weren't really there but more of the motor head type kids which fit in real well with the classic muscle car people.  

I felt kind of strange in a Mopar hat and T shirt showing off a Ford but had a good time and we were invited to six shows including next weekends Mustang show.  We won't go since we burned out on the car show circuit after three years of showing a Charger but it was a fun reminder of those summers and a chance to see old friends and make new ones.

Tj

BTW: Worth mentioning was a 68 Camaro convertable that parked beside us at one point.  It was what I call a bedroom car all factory original with only 27k miles on it.  Really sweet car.

Quoted: i really didn't like the design change in 1971 i think the B bodies started going down hill from there.  I agree there are some styling queues they could have done better with but all in all i like the new charger, it at least has a respectable power plant under the hood.  they deffinitely need to produce that 2 door version. 70 style: www.mopartsracing.com/tmc/pic/Poff.jpg 71 syle: www.musclecarnews.com/images/articles/2004-06/1971Charger1.jpg

Very true, I'm afraid we had a slight miscommunication.  The Pepsi Bottle body concept actually was 68-74 Chargers.  Funny thinking back the lame 75 actually looked like the current Charger.

Oh, yea!  Love that Hemi.  Totally didn't expect the concept propane to ge anywhere but did have my fingers crossed something looking like the concept car would come out with the Hemi.

Problem is if I wanted a luxury car with a Hemi with moderate but respectable performance specs, I could have already bought either the 300 or Magnum both excellent cars for what they are.  Both cars aimed at the performance luxury market which is a growing market segment are doing pretty well, however I guess no one figured the Baby Boomers (largest market segement) still wanted one more retro muscle car and Ford got damn lucky especially after their dismal Thunderbird attempt.

You know car marketing amases me.  I find it a hoot that many in their late 20's early 30's seek luxury cars while those in their 50's seek performance cars.  It reverse in traditional roles and now I actually find myslef with more in commone with rice burner kids than my generations kids.  The late 30's to 40's market always was and still is the truck market although the trucks cross all the age groups.  

Tj

Quoted: I'm 29 but I've already done the muscle car thing with the aforementioned '99 Mustang GT and '02 Camaro SS.  I earned myself a few BIG tickets and got tired of worrying about cops all the time. At this point, if I'm going to spend the money on a new car it will be a near-luxury sport sedan such as the Infiniti G35, BMW 330i, Acura TL, or Audi A4.  Such a car is plenty of fun to drive but also offers more refinement, comfort, and practicality than a muscle car. Is my gray hair showing?

Nah, When you're gray hair shows, you'll buy the muscle cars agarin.

You get older, you get a little less likely to get tickets.  You're not quite as much in hurry and tend to ignore kids in rice burners that want to race.

Quoted: 3 valves and it only gets you 300/320? Only gets 25 mpg on the highway? Gosh, my T/A gets close to 30mpg on the highway . . oh, but then, I have a manual 6-speed tranny. . . Can it even come close to the 170mph my 2002 T/A can reach on the highway? The only way to get the wind in your hair in a Ford is to buy a 'vert, Ford never did catch on to the idea of anything like T-Tops did they? 202.21.128.20/photoserver/med/61/9274861.jpg Gosh, maybe you outta take it back and buy an olde, used LS1 T/A! fnbrowning, 2002 Collector Edition T/A  Coupe, M6, Hurst.

Considered one and certainly a nice car.  My nephew is on his second Ram Air T/A and bought one the last year they were made.  Unfortunately we have these pesky things called curves here in the Smoky Mountians and every BillyBobJimJack drives an F body.  Shame for most of those cars will be used, abused, and discarded.

A Vette with the LS1 would be a tad more suited for the roads here however we still need back seat little as it is.

BTW, You just reminded me I have to quit wearing my T shirt that says "My Mopar East Fords and Shits Chevys'.

Tj

Of all the articles I read on the three cars this is about my favorite since it compares the three.

automobilemag.com/reviews/coupes/0508_charger_mustang_gto/index1.html


Guys,

To be honest if I was looking for  un-inspired body styling, good performance, and a luxury car ride, I would have bought a BMW with no contest in the choice.  The BMW 8 series is a dream of a car.

I like turning heads with my car and reliving my youth in a car daring enough to violate the wind tunnel blob body style.

All three, GTO, Charger, and Mustang as my old Dodge R/T do meet my performance needs but it is only the Mustang that gave me the retro feel of my youth and holds the best to true American Muscle tradition.

Tj

Here's a pic of my GT from the front.




See this thread for angle pic.

ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=1&f=134&t=393364

Yea, the 500 is SWEET!

Tj