Cars & Autos | Wednesday 2 March, 2016 9:15 am |

The Ford Mustang GT was this week crowned as ‘2016 Best Coupe’ at UAE’s wheels magazine’s Car of the Year Awards, beating out stiff competition in a notoriously tough segment.

“The Mustang is an iconic car, and the GT has gained tremendous popularity here in the Middle East, among both hard-core motorists and motoring experts,” said Thierry Sabbagh, managing director of Ford Middle East. “It has become a favourite to many thanks to its fantastic driving dynamics and performance combined with its great looks to deliver a truly exhilarating driving experience.”

Mustang GT continues with the latest edition of the throaty 5.0-litre V8, now featuring an upgraded valvetrain and cylinder heads that help boost output to GSO-rated 421 PS and 530 Nm of torque. A new intake manifold features charge motion control valves to partially close off port flow at lower engine speeds. This increases the air charge tumble and swirl for improved air-fuel mixing resulting in improved efficiency and idle stability.

The clean-sheet design of both Mustang fastback and convertible evokes the essential character of the brand, retaining key design elements – including the long sculpted hood and short rear deck – with contemporary execution.

The information and controls an active driver needs are all readily accessible in the aviation-inspired cockpit, which is executed with the highest degree of craftsmanship ever found in a Mustang. Large, clear instrumentation puts vehicle information right in front of the driver in the roomier cabin, while improved ergonomics and tactile switches and knobs provide better control. The added width and a new rear suspension contribute to improved shoulder and

hip room for rear-seat passengers, and a more usefully shaped trunk can accommodate two golf bags.

 

The Mustang features a significant amount of innovative technologies providing drivers with enhanced information, control and connectivity when they want it. From Intelligent Access with push-button start to SYNC® and MyKey® in every Mustang built, plus standard Track Apps™, MyColour® gauges and a new Shaker Pro Audio System, drivers will be able to customise their time behind the wheel.

The feeling of freedom and confidence Mustang instils in its drivers is amplified when they can take control of how the car behaves. On a twisty back road or a weekend track day, the

driver can tap the toggle switches on the console to quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings using the available Selectable Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time.

The advanced Ford-developed stability control system is tuned to maximise Mustang’s dynamic capabilities. When the time comes to turn up the wick at the track, Mustang GT includes standard launch control on manual-transmission models that enables drivers to achieve smooth, consistent starts every time.

When it’s time to back off and relax for the drive home, available advanced driver-assist features including Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control can help ease the load, while SYNC® with MyFord Touch® lets drivers control their phone, climate and audio system while keeping their hands on the steering wheel.