Driven: 2025 Ford Mustang GT
- Kalen Ziflian
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Sometimes you just need to be thankful for the things you get to do.
Let me explain. Being entrusted to drive a range of different cars and provide an opinion is one thing – and I’ve enjoyed that to the point where I need to pinch myself at times. But more specific to the slinky V8 bruiser in question here, the feelings of gratitude emanate from multiple stints behind the wheel.
The first was an invite to the two-day launch of the S650 model range a while back. Day one took in the beautiful Adelaide Hills, whilst the second was at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend.
It was here that I, along with a bunch of real motoring journos, was cut loose to exploit all variants in the ultimate setting. The roster included everything from the 4-cylinder Ecoboost, right through to the barnstorming Dark Horse. Driving activities included track work, straight line and skid pan. All were in anger.
The second stint saw me take this exact Vapour Blue GT to Sydney Dragway on a Race for Real night. Strictly speaking, the assignment was to demonstrate how a 2-way dashcam can be used to document on-track exploits. But in reality, the racing was the highlight! The best for the night was a 12.439 at 114mph down the quarter.
So, you could say CUW821 and I have a past, and it was lovely to spend some time with her again.
But the journey to a racetrack is made up of poor roads, even poorer drivers, a plethora of laws, and constabulary awaiting a trip up. In short, you need to use the car “normally” too.
Spirited road-driving was a given during our last rendezvous, but it was time for something totally different. To say it was pure coincidence to have this bruiser again just before Summernats 38 would be a lie.
The truth is it was planned. A road trip is an excellent way to get to know a vehicle. It takes in a combination of urban and open road driving, exposing the intricacies over an extended period.
Why a Mustang? Well, what better car to take to an event built on the back of the humble V8? It looks and sounds horn too, and let’s face it, where else can you find a new V8-powered vehicle for under 100k today? I’ll wait.
The issue of transporting 2 extra humans was one for them to sort out amongst themselves. Regardless of this minor challenge, all participants were all excited about taking the GT along on the trip.
The truth is the cabin isn’t as tight as you’d think, even with the excellent optional Recaro front seats. As the owner of a Japanese car with factory Recaro’s, these are like a Chesterfield lounge – likely to suit our stateside friends, or men fast approaching middle age.
Thankfully this writer is aging like a fine wine, so the extra space combined with the requisite bolstering made for a supremely comfortable seat. They’re heated and move forward and aft electrically, but the backrest remains a manual proposition.
The keen eye will spot retro looking vents and trims on the dash, a pleasant nod to the past. In dichotomy, they sit right next to huge infotainment and instrument screens. They measure 13.2 and 12.4 inches respectively and provide access to all the expected vehicle functions.
There’s great tailorability too, in the form of different drive mode displays and performance-based meters displayable. Fun Easter eggs present in the form of selectable clusters from a Fox Body, SVT Cobra or Retro designs.
When one tires of that, Apple Carplay and Android Auto are available wirelessly, along with wired options through 2 USB ports at the bottom of the centre stack. A wireless charger is also available, and the 12-speaker B&O sound system provided the tunes with awesome depth and clarity.
It also turned out that getting two passengers into the 'Stang wasn't as big an issue afterall. Getting in is a slight act of contortionism, but the space ahead of the passenger allows the seat to be slid forward. This left enough room to stretch legs forward, while the second-row occupant could sit in deep bucket-type seats in the rear row. A stop every hour and a half was appreciated, but with both just under 6 feet, the trip was completely achievable.
Every drive of the Mustang GT come with a sense of occasion. The long bonnet, the feeling that you’re closer to the rear axle than the front, that upright steering wheel ahead and the noise of the 460-odd hp Coyote V8.
The combination encourages you on to push harder – likely the culprit for all those videos we all see online. Wide open throttle in Track mode see’s the engine pull eagerly right out to the lofty-for-a-V8 7500rpm redline, with a bang into the next of ten gears available.
It’s both exciting and endearing, and an eye on the speedo is critical if you value your license. Thankfully you don’t need to push to enjoy the Mustang GT. With the exhaust vales opened you get enough aural pleasure just pottering around.
The biggest surprise came from how enjoyable long-range touring was in the Mustang. The boot took 3 bags with ease, and once everyone was comfortable, it was a matter of setting cruise control and picking the right soundtrack. The torquey engine and an ample selection of gear ratios made highway cruising a pleasure, with just enough exhaust noise to remind you that you’re driving something a bit special.
This sort of driving really highlights in-cabin ergonomics, and the Mustang has this all sorted. The infotainment screen is close enough to reach without moving, the gear shifter and console make a comfortable place to rest an arm, and the door armrest is also perfectly placed. The only complaint is a poorly placed pair of couple holders. Clearly designed for left-hand drive, it’s a bewildering oversight.
It was also efficient for what it is, with a final average fuel consumption of 11.9l/100km. Although I’d caution a guess that anyone looking to buy a V8 Mustang doesn’t place fuel economy high on the priority list.
Following the 600 or so kilometre return trip, I had an epiphany. I recalled the night and day differences between the Dark Horse and the GT at the launch.
With a Getrag 6-speed manual box, shorter final drive, and a dash of extra power, the Dark Horse felt far nimbler and lively. The GT on the other hand, with its longer gears and softer suspension felt comparatively porky on the track.
It was on this trip where it all made sense. It felt more than a little silly to reflect on the badge in the centre of the rear garnish, and front quarter panels. GT stands for Grand Tourer, and Ford’s Mustang is a superb example.
It’s another feather in the cap of a vehicle that all enthusiasts should be pleased to have access to brand new.
It was challenging not to romanticise for a moment after this realisation.
With the kids grown and self-sufficient, the better half in the passenger seat, and open road up ahead for weeks; maybe even months. Wind in whatever hair is left, that long bonnet to peer over and the burble of the twin exhausts in the background to tickle all the senses.
It’s a pleasant thought – here’s hoping that Ford can continue to build cars like this long enough to bring that dream to reality.
I should hope that I’ve swung enough tail ends not to end up on viral on social media – time will tell.
Like – sexy inside and out, that exhaust note, Every drive is an experience
Dislike – Driver monitoring is a little too intrusive.
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