Select performance parts take the Mustang GT to greater heights.
Updated December 30, 2017, to clarify the performance pack’s short-throw shifter.
I’ve driven nearly every Ford Performance enhanced product, with the exotic Ford GT supercar the lone exception. The overarching task of Ford’s performance division is to take ordinary or already sporty models and convert them into something extraordinary.
Models like the Ford F-150 Raptor, Focus RS, Shelby GT 350/350R, Fiesta ST and Focus ST. Yet, the division’s influence extends far beyond these models to include Ford-authorized aftermarket parts, wheels, performance packs, superchargers and crate engines for tuners and weekend warriors.
In other words, Ford Performance has something for everyone.
Mustang GT Performance Pack
One such beneficiary of Ford Performance’s prowess is the Mustang GT. Shoppers may opt for the GT Performance Pack ($2,995), available with manual gearbox models only.
The package extensively modifies the GT, making such changes as adding 19-inch Ebony Black-Painted Aluminum Wheels set within summer-only tires, Brembo six-piston brake calipers with larger rotors, heavy-duty front springs, a k-brace (for stabilizing the front suspension while cornering), strut-tower brace, unique chassis tuning, a larger rear sway bar, spoiler delete and a TORSEN differential with a 3.73 axle ratio. Inside, you’ll find a gauge pack, adding oil pressure and vacuum dials, as well as an aluminum-trimmed instrument panel.
You’ll also find a nifty “tool” known as a short throw “no lift shift” transmission shifter. When operating under full throttle, this feature allows you to keep the gas pedal on the floor while shifting gears. At launch, rev the engine, drop the clutch, and hammer the throttle.
See Also — Book Review: Mustang by Design
2017 Ford Mustang GT Premium
A 2017 Ford Mustang GT Premium equipped with the GT Performance Pack, Shaker Audio System Package ($1,795), Recaro Leather Trim Sport front seats ($1,595) and a reverse sensing system ($295) was my end-of-calendar-year visitor, carrying a retail price of ($44,775). Although the refreshed 2018 model was on the market for a few months, I jumped at the chance to drive the 2017 Mustang GT.
And who wouldn’t? Securing performance versions of Ford products take time — even as the calendar year comes to an end, interest in such models remains.
Incidentally, if you do happen to consider the 2018 model, this same performance package retails for $3,995. Further, it is now available with models equipped with the Mustang’s new 10-speed automatic transmission and adds a pair of items to justify its $1,000 premium: a larger radiator and a performance rear wing.
Performance-Enhanced Powertrain
Ford Performance tweaks to the Mustang GT also yield power and handling benefits, especially when additional performance parts are part of the equation, including a cat-back exhaust system ($1,549), cold air intake and calibration power pack ($949) and a track handling package ($1,520), to name a few.
When properly equipped, overall power increases from an already robust 435 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque to 451 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque. Importantly, you control that excitement by means of a smooth shifting six-speed manual gearbox.
On the Road
I received sufficient warning about the “slippery” rear tires when handed the keys to the GT, but it took a few turns around town and on the open road to gauge exactly what I was dealing with.
Tires, of course, play a big role in handling. Up front, the Mustang GT has 255/40R19 tires; at the rear, you’ll find 275/40R tires. They’re summer tires too, and that means when temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit they begin to lose traction.
Ideally, summer tires are best for when ambient temperatures are warm or hot. That’s the ideal, although not always what’s practiced. Indeed, the tread rubber compound includes flexible plastic. When temperatures drop, the plastic becomes inflexible, increasing the likelihood of the compound breaking.
Fortunately, December temperatures in central North Carolina were still relatively warm with daytime highs in the 50s and 60s common. To avoid drama, I chose the warm days for the bulk of my driving. On the remaining days, I didn’t venture out until the afternoon when cold wasn’t a consideration.
Ka-boom! That’s precisely what I (and my neighbors) heard whenever I started the Mustang GT. However, unlike the Shelby GT 350, there isn’t a switch available to quiet that note. Not that you want to tone things down, but depending on where you park your ride, your neighbors may complain.
This hot steed shifts cleanly with smooth clutch uptake. But the lack of grip from the rear tires means shifting into lower gears may result in tire spin or slippage, even with traction control engaged. More than once I found myself holding off shifting between first and second gear to avoid grip loss from the Pirelli P Zero tires.
Everything else about the Mustang GT is solid, from the comfortable Recaro seats to the weighty steering. As much as possible, I kept the steed in sport mode, enjoying the solid feel of the steering wheel and the precision handling of every turn. For enthusiasts, a 4.3-second 0-to-60 mph time should be within range. Even better times are in store for the 2018s.
You’ll realize this Mustang’s sweet spot at high speeds, particularly as the coupe knuckles down when pressing hard on the pedal. Find your place in fourth or fifth gear and the V8 percolates, sending beautiful booms through the exhaust outlets as you ease up on the pedal. Sixth gear may seem like an afterthought…something to consider when maintaining an even highway speed with cruise control on.
Another attribute of the Mustang is its big brakes. Slam them and you’ll come to a quick stop with zero brake fade noted. The cooler temperatures may have helped somewhat in mitigating heat build up for the week I had it, otherwise, I was very impressed by this steed’s poise from start to finish.
Parting Thoughts
The Mustang GT gives enthusiasts most of what they need in a powerful muscle car for under $40,000. That said, you’ll probably want to add at least the Performance Package and the Cold Air Intake and Calibration Package to achieve maximum power and control.
Most models will cost somewhere around $45,000, with $50,000 the likely range if you insist on the enhanced audio system and a few other Ford Performance goodies.
All in all, the 2017 Mustang GT hits all the high notes in the segment. Certainly, if performance is your be all and end all, opting for the 2018 model provides a fresh look with improved performance — a winning combo you won’t want to easily dismiss.
2017 Ford Mustang GT Premium Fastback
See Also — Charmed, Then Snakebitten by a Shelby GT350
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The Crosstrek is also the only all-wheel drive only model in the mix. That’s a Subaru exclusive, with the rear-wheel drive BRZ the lone exception. One important reason why Subaru continues to snap up market share is its standard all-wheel drive. The system works great, something I was reminded of while driving on a rainy day. More about that later when I cover all things driving.
Priced from $22,710 (including a $915 destination charge), this model offers halogen headlights, daytime running lights, folding side mirrors, roof rails, a rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Costing $23,510, the Premium is priced just $800 more than the base model. Upgrades include automatic headlights, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, illuminated vanity mirrors, cargo cover, rear cargo tray, a six-speaker audio system and a security system.
With a price of $27,210, the Limited edition pulls out all the stops. At this trim, the CVT is standard. You’ll also find 18-inch alloy wheels and power-folding side mirrors.
Take to the road with the Subaru Crosstrek and you’ll begin to understand how well this or any other Subaru operates, especially when road conditions are wet. I had the fortunate experience of driving the Crosstrek during wet conditions, appreciating both its modest kick and handling.
I’ve seen far more expensive car with standard features that aren’t much better than what the Mazda3 offers and that’s a credit to Mazda. Indeed, one of the standout features of this vehicle is its standard 16-inch alloy wheels. Again, that’s alloy — not steel wheels. And that’s an important consideration when shopping for a new car. The base or Sport trim also comes equipped with halogen headlights, daytime running lights, power-folding side mirrors and dual exhaust tips.
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The base model offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It is one of two models offering a six-speed manual transmission. Or, you can opt for a six-speed automatic transmission for $1,000. This model makes an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway with the automatic transmission or 26/36 mpg city/highway with the manual gearbox.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers this all-new trim, paired with the automatic transmission. This model adds automatic headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels, and heated side mirrors. Further, you’ll also find rear disk brakes, blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist, a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and a 7-inch color display with HD Radio, satellite radio, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility.
If you’re not certain which trim to consider, Hyundai makes it obvious by assigning a “Value Edition” name here. This is where some shoppers will begin and end their search for an Elantra.
The most efficient Elantra is the Eco, powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, with an output of 128 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Sending power to the front wheels is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This powertrain combination is exclusive to the Eco and for this reason, it also is the most efficient of the six trims, delivering an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Like the Eco, the 
Flex fuel means your car can run on straight gasoline or ethanol, signaling that the fuel system has upgraded plastic and rubber parts and a modified fuel sensor to detect the relative amount of ethanol to gasoline.
Having worked as an automotive journalist for more than a dozen years and purchased or leased seven new cars and at least that many used cars over the past 40 years, I wanted to gain an insider’s look at sales and service. I was not disappointed.