The Ford Mustang is regarded as the epitome of American muscle cars among automotive enthusiasts. Its muscular, rugged body and wild horse emblem make it stand out from afar, while its high-displacement engine produces strong power and a booming sound.
The Mustang was first unveiled as the 1st generation in 1964, and the 7th generation model was released last year, marking its 60th anniversary. It is Ford's best-selling sports car, which has never ceased production since its first launch, with total global sales exceeding 10 million units.
I test drove the Mustang 5.0 GT Coupe model. The exterior was familiar thanks to its long-standing reputation. The front features a Mustang-exclusive emblem of a running horse instead of the Ford logo. The Mustang signifies the wild horse native to North America. The stout and angular body gives it an aggressive appearance, complementing its long hood and smooth roof.
The vehicle specifications are a length of 4,810 mm, a width of 1,915 mm, a height of 1,450 mm, and a wheelbase of 2,720 mm. It is slightly larger than the BMW 3 Series (length 4,175 mm, width 1,825 mm, height 1,440 mm) and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (length 4,795 mm, width 1,820 mm, height 1,455 mm), which are referred to as representative imported mid-sized sedans.
Compared to the exterior, the interior is calm and tidy. The intuitive gear shift and simple climate control buttons and dials create an analog feel, while the wide display that crosses the driver's seat and the center serves as a reminder that this is a modern vehicle. There is a second row, but it seems cramped and less usable.
As I started the engine, a deep exhaust sound erupted, transmitting a rough vibration directly to the seat. The 7th generation model features a 'remote rev function', allowing diverse enjoyment of exhaust sounds for the first time. This feature enables the remote rev of the car engine, allowing it to raise the RPM from 3,000 to 5,000 with just key operations from outside, creating an exhaust sound.
Until I began accelerating in earnest, the noise isolation was somewhat lacking. I also had to contend with the rather heavy body. Depending on the specifications, the Mustang's curb weight can reach up to 1,895 kg, making its movements not particularly nimble, but its speed when it takes off is explosive. Since it focuses on driving enjoyment, the ride comfort is not particularly luxurious, and the handling is somewhat rough.
The driving feel became quieter and smoother as the speed increased. The strong and precise braking power enhanced the driving stability. While driving at a speed close to 100 km/h, I had to brake urgently when the car in front suddenly stopped, but the vehicle came to a quick halt. There was almost no jolting impact.
The 5.0-liter (L) V8 engine equipped in the vehicle delivers a maximum output of 493 horsepower and a peak torque of 57 kg∙m. This is the most powerful performance in the history of the Mustang. Six driving modes are provided: normal, sport, slippery, drag, track, and custom settings, allowing for detailed adjustments to vehicle control methods such as steering, engine, transmission, and stability.
The fuel efficiency is a combined 7.2 km/L (6.1 km/L in the city, 9.2 km/L on the highway). The price varies based on the trim, ranging from 59 million won to 84.7 million won. In Korea, there are a total of four trims available. The EcoBoost Coupe is priced at 59 million won, the EcoBoost Convertible at 66 million won. The 5.0 GT Coupe costs 78.7 million won, and the 5.0 GT Convertible is priced at 84.7 million won.