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Since late in 2003, Mustang enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting the showroom debut of the newly redesigned 2005 Mustang. Now that the new 'Stang is finally hitting the streets, the InvoiceDealers team was compelled to review one of the most striking new models of 2005.
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In a turn of events that happens rarely in the automotive universe, the production version of the '05 Mustang actually looks better than the concept. Where the concept was slick and European (dare we say Italian? It does have a horse in the grill) the actual production model is pure American pony car. Though the differences are subtle, they really go a long way towards making the Mustang the retro cruiser it was meant to be. Mach-1 style headlights mounted in the grill, a slightly bulging hood, even the crease along the door sill make you feel like you're looking at a fastback from some not-quite-identifiable year in the ‘60s.
Inside and underneath, of course, the neo-classic is thoroughly modern. Coil-over MacPhersons in the front keep the Mustang steady and poised through the turns, and a solid rear axle delivers power to the pavement the way a rear-drive, front-engine muscle car is supposed to. And while power without control is useless, a Mustang without horsepower is just plain wrong. Fortunately, the '05 doesn't disappoint. In base trim, the Mustang's SOHC V6 makes a peak of 210hp at 5,250rpm. With a curb weight of around 3,300lbs, that means every pony has only 15.7lbs to push. But once you step up to the GT, get ready to hold on. The 4.6L aluminum V8 churns out a full 300hp at 6,000rpm, and a pavement-wrinkling 320lb.-ft. of torque. The bigger engine and additional GT features bring the curb weight up by 200lbs over the base (3,500 total) to give the Mustang GT a power-to-weight ratio of 1:11.7. As a comparison, last year's 260hp GT came in at 1:12.5, for an overall performance gain of about 6½ percent.
Looking inside the car, you'll find an interior that received as much attention to design as the sheet metal. There are brushed aluminum and polished bezel accents aplenty, adding to the retro sporty feel of the vehicle. The tach and speedo are exceptionally cool, featuring the aforementioned polish treatment and numbers that look like they were discovered in the bottom drawer of a retired designer's desk. If there's one feature of the new Mustang that really makes you feel like Steve McQueen, the gauges are it. And while we prefer the classic orange-on-black look, you may not. Not a problem, says Ford. Part of the Interior Upgrade Package is a color-configurable instrument cluster that allows you to change the look at will.
Overall, the 2005 Mustang seems to have been worth the long wait. It looks exceptional, performs very well, and feels just the way you want a Mustang to feel. MSRP ranges from an affordable $18,785 in base trim to $25,705 for the GT Premium coupe. Go on, then. You know you want one. |
