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 base Sorento L costs $26,740, including a $940 destination charge. This is the basic package, offering the features already mentioned, but with no package upgrades available.
A $1,700 Convenience Package adds heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a rear parking assist system. On top of the Convenience Package is an available 3rd Row Seating Package ($1,490) bringing in 50/50 split-folding seats.
With a price of $30,440, this model makes three-row seating standard. Equipment upgrades include easy folding second-row seats.
At $40,040, the Sorento SX adds such top-end features as LED positioning lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, a panoramic sunroof with a power sunshade, a navigation system with an 8-inch color display, a 10-speaker audio system, an upgraded driver’s seat with seat extension, blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert.
Like other crossovers, the Sorento is not a corner carver. That said, you probably won’t find yourself fighting with the steering wheel to keep it straight. Steering feedback is much improved over the previous generation — body rigidity and braking performance have improved too.
The 
No matter, what you have in the Mazda 6 is a stylish, front-wheel drive midsize sedan with room for five. Available in three trims — Sport ($21,945.$22,995), Touring ($24,195/$25,245) and Grand Touring ($30,695) plus $875 for destination — this Mazda is one of the few models left offering a manual transmission.
I’ve long admired the 6’s looks, one of the more fashionable models in a segment once dominated by dull, boring sedans. The look could just as easily be applied to a sports car and it is — the Mazda MX-5 Miata offers a similar visage with its gaping grille, athletic shoulders, and sinuous lines. The Mazda 6 stretches that canvas to its proper size and adds a raised rear deck to round out the expression.
Inside, you’ll find a cabin that’s open, well organized, and clean. My test Grand Touring model had all the amenities you’ll find in this segment, including white leather seats. The cabin is one of the largest in the segment and you’ll also find a spacious 14.8 cubic-foot trunk. A 60/40 split-fold bench seat extends the storage area.
Tech features include a standard 6-speaker audio system, HD Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB audio port, and a 7-inch color display. Also available is a Bose 11-speaker audio system, satellite radio, navigation, and a power moonroof.
Mazda, however, keeps the 6-speed manual it has long offered with its midsize sedan. It comes standard on the Sport and Touring editions, but is not available on the Grand Touring.
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Yes, you can fit five people in the Ioniq. Hyundai models are typically very roomy and often measure at the top of each respective segment’s passenger volume limit. You’ll find comfortable bucket seats up front and a 60-40 split fold-down bench seat in the second row. Definitely, the rear seat is best for two, but you can fit three in a pinch.
You won’t find safety ratings yet from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). We expect some sort of crash testing to be conducted in the near future and likely on the hybrid model.
Tech and Hyundai go hand in hand. Yes, the same can be said about other manufacturers, but when it comes to Hyundai products, they seem to always go a step further. The 2017 Ioniq reflects that care.
Just three years after its US debut, the 
I found myself gradually scanning the surface of the 2017 Cadenza to take it all in. The look is familiar, but updated — designer Peter Schreyer’s imprint is all over this model as it is on every other Kia (and Hyundai) vehicle.
Let’s hear it for sedans that seat five in comfort! That’s exactly what the 2017 Cadenza provides, although if you do happen to sit in the rear, the seats are best enjoyed by those occupying the outboard position — they’re also heated in the Limited edition.
The 2017 Cadenza garnered the Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Institute’s highest honor.
We already covered the driver-assist technologies in the previous section. As far as in-cabin technologies go, the 2017 Cadenza has what you need or at least offers everything you could possibly want.
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