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FORD MUSTANG
Driving into the sunset has never been more fun

Try walking into the dealer, asking for a test drive of the 2005 Ford Mustang GT coupe and then walking away from it. If you've ever wanted to know what the wild side was all about, wanted the thrill of power coursing through the solid metal transfer into your veins - this is your chance. Of course size matters: an aluminium 4.6L SOHC V8 engine, sporting a 3-valves-per-cylinder head arrangement, delivers the GT's thunderous 300 hp and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. But coupled with it comes smoother handling than ever before, sophisticated interiors and style in every inch of the impressive body. Walk the edge with this one - with no fear of falling over.

Everyone who is anyone knows that you don't buy a Mustang to satisfy anything as mundane as your transportation need. One of the greatest automotive sales success stories of all time, with nearly one of every two sports cars sold in the US being a Mustang, the power-for-rial ratio on the GT is amazing. Performance-minded enthusiasts would be crazy not to take interest, regardless of the number of digits on their salary slips. The fact is there is no other car that offers as much performance, image and aura as the Mustang for the price you pay for it.

Externally, the 2005 Ford Mustang GT looks a good deal like those late 60s Mustangs that have showed up in more than 500 movies: long hood, short deck, C-cuts on each side, three-element taillights, driving lights and a chrome running horse in the grille. This new design is instantly recognisable as a Mustang, a return to its head-turning days.

It was at the 2004 North American International Motor Show that Ford introduced this all new Mustang for the 2005 model year. Designed by Sid Ramnarace, a Canadian born designer (who has designed everything from houseware, chairs to cutlery and textiles), Ford's senior vice president of Design, J Mays called the exterior styling, 'retro-futurism'. Since the redesign, Mustang has won dozens of accolades including Canadian Car of the Year, 'Most Significant Vehicle', from Edmunds.com, listing in AutoWeek's top ten cars and Ward's Auto World's ten best engines, among others.

Fear is often equated with fun when it comes to sports cars. In the new Mustang, a move that is guaranteed to broaden its base of appeal, the rather uncomfortable fishtailing of the older Mustangs has been tamed down considerably. The trademark Mustang growl is certainly there but muted, which aficionados may complain about, but as long as the power accompanying it is the same, who really cares.

An improved front MacPherson strut suspension and a solid rear axle are standard in this model. Despite the availability of an independent rear suspension from the Lincoln LS, Ford engineers opted to stay with a solid rear axle, based on feedback from Mustang owners. The solid rear axle is durable, maintains constant track, toe-in and camber relative to the road surface, keeps body roll well under control – and it's less expensive to produce.

Our test drive car was a five speed automatic transmission, smooth as silk, if that isn't a contradiction in terms when talking about Mustangs. The power steering is both responsive and tough on the shoulder muscles. It reminds you that beneath the luxury trappings, this is raw unbridled power that you are handling here. Driving on the inclines of Muscat is chicken feed for this power car, the pause between braking and resuming speed while climbing is minimal with no noticeable gear shift changes. Of course, downhill driving is a bit of a challenge as the power combined with body weight tends to give a feeling of the car running away with you.

If it goes, it better stop, and the Mustang GT stops very well courtesy of four-wheel antilock vented discs with twin-piston front and single-piston rear calipers. Ford's Personal Safety System includes dual-stage front airbags, with sensors determining front passenger weight and consequent levels of deployment. The chassis structure is much stronger than that of earlier versions, and includes a safety cage around the passenger compartment.

The interior is roomier with the six-inch increase in wheelbase and two average sized adults may sit at the rear of this coupe with relative ease. The instrument panel is colour-configurable (good fun to play around with), with a modern aluminum trim. The seats are far better than the thin buckets of yore, and provide the support and comfort needed to tame the beast under the hood.

Back in 1964, the Mustang was the first car of its type, followed by Camaros, Firebirds, Cudas, Challengers, Javelins, etc. All are gone now. Except this Mustang. Ford never gave up on the Mustang, and you shouldn't either. It has the looks, the sound, power and it is as comfortable and civilised as you could imagine a Mustang to be.

For more details call Arabian Car Marketing on 24 578000.