Why the UK's Ford Mustang GT is a Powerhouse Disappointment - And Still Costs More
The allure of the Ford Mustang, with its quintessential American spirit, transcends borders and cultures. Its roar, a symbol of unbridled freedom and power, has captivated car enthusiasts worldwide. Thus, when Ford decided to officially introduce the Mustang in the UK eight years ago, it was more than a commercial expansion; it was a gesture of sharing a piece of American automotive heritage with the world.
However, this gesture, noble in intention, has been marred by a less-than-ideal reality. Facing the stringent emissions laws of the European region, which have been known to throttle the life out of performance vehicles, the UK version of the Mustang GT has had its wings clipped. Official figures released by Ford Great Britain reveal a downturn in power that enthusiasts find hard to swallow. The Mustang GT, revered for its five-liter Coyote V8 engine, now delivers only 439 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. This represents a significant reduction of 41 horsepower and 17 lb-ft compared to its American brethren. Similarly, the more potent Dark Horse trim falls short by 54 hp and 20 lb-ft, offering 446 horsepower.
Compounding the frustration is Ford's decision not to offer the EcoBoost Mustang in the UK. This model, potentially less affected by emissions restrictions, could have provided a more affordable entry point into the Mustang family. Instead, British enthusiasts eying the muscle car's GT variant must contend with a starting price of £55,585, or approximately $70,352. In comparison, those in the States can slip behind the wheel of an EcoBoost Mustang for $33,160, or a V8 coupe for $44,950.
Despite these setbacks, the Mustang retains a unique appeal in the UK market. It stands as the country's most affordable V8 vehicle option, albeit in a detuned form. Ford has hinted at plans to introduce the 800-hp Mustang GTD to a select UK clientele, a move that could offer some solace to power-hungry enthusiasts. This model, with its extravagant horsepower, underscores that sometimes, more is indeed more, particularly when it comes to the exhilarating experience of driving a Mustang.
For those in the UK dreaming of the quintessential Mustang experience, the current offerings may seem like a mixed bag. Yes, the power under the hood has been dialed back, and the price tag feels steep, especially when converted to dollars and compared with US prices. However, the Mustang's spirit, its iconic status, and the joy it brings to driving remain untarnished. It's a reminder that sometimes, the essence of a muscle car transcends raw performance metrics.
The Mustang's journey in the UK is a testament to the global love affair with the iconic American muscle car, even if it comes at a premium and with a bit less roar. It's about the pride of ownership, the thrill of the drive, and the statement made by parking such a legendary piece of automotive history in your driveway—regardless of the horsepower figure stamped on its spec sheet.