Darkane
01-30-2016, 11:01 AM
Screams. :eek:
I couldn't take it very far, but I had a chance to open it up after the car was at operating temp. When I drove it, ambient temperature was +7, so I thought I might have a chance to hook up seeing how there's massive 305 Michelin pilot super sports out back.
Right from the get go I didn't want to mess around since this wasn't going to be your average 30-45 minute run. I flipped to Track mode and off we went.
Coming on to a straight, dry section of road I laid into it. The mustang has insanely high transmission gearing for a 8250rpm engine. First gear will run to 92kmh and second to 130km. Right around 2500 when I nailed it in first It didn't feel like much. Valve timing kicked it up a notch at 3500rpm. As the engine wound up it was a very satisfying LINEAR power surge. What blew me away was right around 6000 the engine was to much for the 305 rears and I shot right to 8200, grabbed second and span it right close to the top of second (8000rpm). At that point I had to grab brakes and coast. This thing has serious top end delivery and makes serious torque for its displacement (82.5ft/lbs per L).
I had another opportunity to lay into it in second gear from 2500 rpm. Hooking completely I only had road for a 2500-6500 rpm pull but man sounds, feel, I was loving it.
Some other points below:
1) Engine: If Honda made a V8 this would be it. It totally reminded me of a honda power curve, and yes V-attack kicked in at 3500, y0!
2) Sound: Unbelievable! The active exhaust in track mode setting is just below the GT350R as probably the loudest factory vehicle. Just killer tone. Definitely a mix between a Ferrari and 'Mernican V8 - 25/75% mix.
3) Fit and finish: Not terrible, the bones are still a $25,000 V6 rental car. What was worked in the interior was nice however. Flat bottom, Alcantara steering wheel was nice to touch, along with other Alcantara bits. The Center console felt a little like cheap leather to me and the plastic covering the Trans tunnel was garbage. A nice Carbon fiber overlay or Alcantara would go a long way there. A future personal touch maybe.
The particular vehicle had the Tech Package ($9400!!!!!) so the seats were not Recaro. They were comfortable and seating position was good. I had a ton of room above and side to side (I'm 6'3" and 215lbs). WAY more room than a new '16 Camaro SS.
4) Cornering: Didn't really have an opportunity, especially with the gravel on the roads.
5) Brakes felt good, good response. Didn't hammer them down, but the 15.4" fronts and 15" backs are MASSIVE, and can slow down the 3800lb car just as well as a GTR IMO.
6) Transmission: Loved it. Like I said engine was Honda-esk and so was this. Precise, accurate. I knew when it was in gear and felt notchy. I like this in a transmission.
7) Suspension: Track mode for 95% of the ride, stiffest setting possible. Still not close to a GTR in R-mode. Normal mode seemed to soak up bumps but I didn't have any real driving time other than track mode.
I don't know what else to say, I'm not a great writer lol. As an overall package I like it.
I couldn't take it very far, but I had a chance to open it up after the car was at operating temp. When I drove it, ambient temperature was +7, so I thought I might have a chance to hook up seeing how there's massive 305 Michelin pilot super sports out back.
Right from the get go I didn't want to mess around since this wasn't going to be your average 30-45 minute run. I flipped to Track mode and off we went.
Coming on to a straight, dry section of road I laid into it. The mustang has insanely high transmission gearing for a 8250rpm engine. First gear will run to 92kmh and second to 130km. Right around 2500 when I nailed it in first It didn't feel like much. Valve timing kicked it up a notch at 3500rpm. As the engine wound up it was a very satisfying LINEAR power surge. What blew me away was right around 6000 the engine was to much for the 305 rears and I shot right to 8200, grabbed second and span it right close to the top of second (8000rpm). At that point I had to grab brakes and coast. This thing has serious top end delivery and makes serious torque for its displacement (82.5ft/lbs per L).
I had another opportunity to lay into it in second gear from 2500 rpm. Hooking completely I only had road for a 2500-6500 rpm pull but man sounds, feel, I was loving it.
Some other points below:
1) Engine: If Honda made a V8 this would be it. It totally reminded me of a honda power curve, and yes V-attack kicked in at 3500, y0!
2) Sound: Unbelievable! The active exhaust in track mode setting is just below the GT350R as probably the loudest factory vehicle. Just killer tone. Definitely a mix between a Ferrari and 'Mernican V8 - 25/75% mix.
3) Fit and finish: Not terrible, the bones are still a $25,000 V6 rental car. What was worked in the interior was nice however. Flat bottom, Alcantara steering wheel was nice to touch, along with other Alcantara bits. The Center console felt a little like cheap leather to me and the plastic covering the Trans tunnel was garbage. A nice Carbon fiber overlay or Alcantara would go a long way there. A future personal touch maybe.
The particular vehicle had the Tech Package ($9400!!!!!) so the seats were not Recaro. They were comfortable and seating position was good. I had a ton of room above and side to side (I'm 6'3" and 215lbs). WAY more room than a new '16 Camaro SS.
4) Cornering: Didn't really have an opportunity, especially with the gravel on the roads.
5) Brakes felt good, good response. Didn't hammer them down, but the 15.4" fronts and 15" backs are MASSIVE, and can slow down the 3800lb car just as well as a GTR IMO.
6) Transmission: Loved it. Like I said engine was Honda-esk and so was this. Precise, accurate. I knew when it was in gear and felt notchy. I like this in a transmission.
7) Suspension: Track mode for 95% of the ride, stiffest setting possible. Still not close to a GTR in R-mode. Normal mode seemed to soak up bumps but I didn't have any real driving time other than track mode.
I don't know what else to say, I'm not a great writer lol. As an overall package I like it.