Katmandu
02-02-2009, 03:13 PM
MUSTANG
Mustang still rocks: Ford icon also rolls in '09 WIth glass roof option
By David Mikesell
Test Drive
Saturday, January 31, 2009
On a clear day, even a cloudy one, you can see that the 2009 Ford Mustang pays homage to others through the line's 45-year history. There are the round headlights up front and the oversized red taillights in the back. The grille leans forward as if it's leading the car aggressively up the road, which it is indeed.
The Mustang, in certain forms like the special-edition Bullitt and Shelby GT500 (the latter with a 500-horsepower V-8 engine), remains a true muscle car. Even in more subdued forms like the Base and GT trims, with a 210-hp V-6 engine and 300-hp V-8, respectively, the Mustang coupes and convertibles still fit a certain macho image. And now, the new softener: a panoramic glass roof.
This $1,995 option, available on Base and GT versions, turns a coupe into an open-sky rider (even if it's not open air). The benefits to this piece of glass — it goes nearly from windshield to back pillar — go beyond enjoying sunshine without having to worry about the hair getting mussed. According to Ford, the glass roof filters 96 percent of burn-causing ultraviolet rays and is the equivalent of providing sun protection factor (SPF) of 50. Should riders not want to be exposed to the sun, there is a retractable mesh shade. The roof is made with safety glass that if shattered will do so without sharp edges.
The Mustang's fun factor goes beyond the panoramic roof. The 5-speed manual transmission we tested (a 5-speed automatic is also available) needs a strong hand for firm short throws, but the clutch compresses easily.
Back-seat passengers had better be small because there is not much legroom. Conversely, the trunk in the coupe has 13.1 cubic feet of space, which is pretty good. Plus the back seat folds in a 50/50 split manner.
David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis
http://projects.daytondailynews.com/cache/galleries/Living/Wheels/013109mustang/
http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/tools/shared/mediahub/08/93/38/slideshow_938938_MPSWLS01319FdMustangGTd.JPG
Mustang still rocks: Ford icon also rolls in '09 WIth glass roof option
By David Mikesell
Test Drive
Saturday, January 31, 2009
On a clear day, even a cloudy one, you can see that the 2009 Ford Mustang pays homage to others through the line's 45-year history. There are the round headlights up front and the oversized red taillights in the back. The grille leans forward as if it's leading the car aggressively up the road, which it is indeed.
The Mustang, in certain forms like the special-edition Bullitt and Shelby GT500 (the latter with a 500-horsepower V-8 engine), remains a true muscle car. Even in more subdued forms like the Base and GT trims, with a 210-hp V-6 engine and 300-hp V-8, respectively, the Mustang coupes and convertibles still fit a certain macho image. And now, the new softener: a panoramic glass roof.
This $1,995 option, available on Base and GT versions, turns a coupe into an open-sky rider (even if it's not open air). The benefits to this piece of glass — it goes nearly from windshield to back pillar — go beyond enjoying sunshine without having to worry about the hair getting mussed. According to Ford, the glass roof filters 96 percent of burn-causing ultraviolet rays and is the equivalent of providing sun protection factor (SPF) of 50. Should riders not want to be exposed to the sun, there is a retractable mesh shade. The roof is made with safety glass that if shattered will do so without sharp edges.
The Mustang's fun factor goes beyond the panoramic roof. The 5-speed manual transmission we tested (a 5-speed automatic is also available) needs a strong hand for firm short throws, but the clutch compresses easily.
Back-seat passengers had better be small because there is not much legroom. Conversely, the trunk in the coupe has 13.1 cubic feet of space, which is pretty good. Plus the back seat folds in a 50/50 split manner.
David Mikesell is a free-lance automotive reviewer based in Indianapolis
http://projects.daytondailynews.com/cache/galleries/Living/Wheels/013109mustang/
http://alt.coxnewsweb.com/cnishared/tools/shared/mediahub/08/93/38/slideshow_938938_MPSWLS01319FdMustangGTd.JPG