 |
The new Mustang is an entirely successful update of the original, from its forward-leaning shark-nose grille, to its three-bar rear light clusters. Other traditional Mustang cues include the C-scoop on the body sides, as well as the optional inboard set of driving lights at the front. Designers have, though, opted to put a small window in the C-pillar where you'd have found scoops or louvres on classic Mustangs. This is to provide better rear three-quarter vision, although Ford spokesmen happily admit that customers will be able to buy retrofittable louvers for their new Mustang.
Speaking of after-market accessories, Ford also says that Mustang customers complained that the wheel openings of the last model weren't large enough to accommodate aftermarket 20-inch wheels. So this new car, along with very aggressive blisters over the wheel arches, sports an opening that is two inches larger than the previous Mustang. And in an effort to make sure that the wheel openings look sufficiently filled with the factory supplied wheels, there are extra-high profile 215/65 tyres available.
Ford designers admit that this isn't the ideal solution for steering and handling response, but point out that the ride quality benefits. Continuing the retro look, these tyres can be specified with 1960s-style wheels with fake 'spinners' in their centres. 4CAR can report that a Mustang so equipped looks sensational.
The Mustang employs a welded steel body with aluminium bonnet to achieve a weight of 1500kg for the V6 model. That's about what an Audi TT quattro weighs, so this isn't a typical American barge. Size-wise, however, the new Mustang occupies about the same space on the road as a Ford Mondeo.
|
