Ford Mustang GT sighted in Kota Damansara

I was en route to the Autoworld Dgdream Contest prize presentation at Kota Damansara when I saw this blue Ford Mustang GT parked nearby. I only managed to get this one photo before the owner drove off. Although I didn’t get near to peek into the interior, this car is definitely still LHD, since the owner opened the left door to get in.

An excerpt from the Wikipedia entry on this car:

The Mustang GT features an award-winning, all-aluminum 4.6 L 3-valve SOHC Modular V8 with variable camshaft timing and a more rugged Tremec TR-3650 transmission. The engine produces 300 hp (224 kW) @ 5750 rpm and 320 lb·ft (433 N·m) of torque @ 4500 rpm. The GT model is capable of performing a quarter-mile test in 13.5 seconds, with acceleration from zero to 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds. The current Mustang GT also comes equipped with a limited slip differential complete with the same carbon-fiber clutch discs used in the 2003 to 2004 SVT Cobra and the 2007 Shelby GT500. The differential is designed for the 31-spline axles and the 8.8-inch (220 mm) ring gear. The standard final drive ratio of 2005 and 2006 Mustang GTs with a manual transmission is 3.55:1. Since the 2007 model year, a 3.31:1 ratio final drive is standard with the 3.55:1 gearing available as a factory installed option. Automatic transmission-equipped models of all years receive the less aggressive 3.31:1 ratio.

The Mustang GT builds on the base Mustang’s standard features. In addition to its higher performance powertrain, the Mustang GT features a stiffer, better handling version of the standard suspension, larger 12.4-inch front brake discs (versus the 11.4-inch discs used on V6 Mustangs), standard four-channel ABS with traction control, a two-piece drive shaft, a stainless steel dual exhaust, standard grille-mounted fog lights, and 17-inch wheels with optional 18-inch wheels.

The ‘award’ mentioned in the excerpt is none other than the Ward’s 10 Best Engines annual list, which puts the Ford in fine company that includes none other than BMW’s N54B30 engine powering the excellent 335i, and the VW Group’s famous 2.0 TFSI engine that sees action in various models.

The Tremec TR-3650 is a 5-speed manual rear-wheel drive transmission which is rated to take up to 490Nm of torque. Interestingly, the engineers recommend the use of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for the lubrication of this transmission.  

Of course not mentioned here is that while the Mustang has MacPherson struts up front, the rear end sits on a live axle with a Panhard rod. It’s an obvious cost-cutting measure, and if you ask me, a car of this day and age, barring small city hatchbacks, have no excuse for not having independent rear suspension. Then again, Mustangs have never been known for their technical refinement. They’ve always been loud, rough and macho which is probably at the core of their charms – which is quite substantial, considering that the ‘stang’s fame is worldwide despite being only officially sold in America.

Ford Mustang GT