The Grand Tour

Closer Look At the 2016 Ford Mustang GT Driven By Richard Hammond in Episode 6

Folks, I’ve been waiting for this one for a long time. Today is the day I can finally write about my car…well, not MY car since I don’t own a Euro-spec Mustang GT, but screw it. I own a Mustang GT and I want to talk about it! Oh, and just a disclaimer; you’re going to see a lot of pictures of my car. I’m sorry, I just can’t help myself.

The sixth generation of the Ford Mustang (S550) is significant in very many ways, but none more significant than the fact that it will be the first ever global Mustang, sold in parts of the world that previously couldn’t ever dream of getting one. Most of this is due to the fact that the Ecoboost four cylinder can meet more emissions criteria around the world, but as we saw last night, the V8 GT is getting some love as well.

[button color=”red” size=”big” alignment=”center” rel=”follow” openin=”newwindow” url=”https://grandtournation.com/1601/the-grand-tour-3-mustangs-from-the-opening-sequence-of-the-premiere-episode/”]The Three Mustangs Featured In the Premiere Episode[/button]

This is the first Mustang ever sold in the UK (without having to import one). It features right hand drive and a few features exclusive to Euro-spec models. First off, Euro models will be getting a completely different set of tail lights. Mine features red lights; the Euro-spec features clear white lights and do not get the sequential function. Honestly it looks fantastic; so much so that some friends of mine have gone to great lengths to get their own set of Euro tail lights:

Owner: @rawr_5oh
Owner: @rawr_5oh

Euro models will also get a different rear emblem encased in a circle. I actually like these more than the ones we get in the US, which simply features the “GT” or pony without any sort of surround. US GT models get hood vents, whereas Euro GT’s will not, and Euro models will also get bigger mirrors.

The Performance Package (what I have) will be offered in Europe, but with a few differences. Euro PP owners will still get the larger brakes and unique chassis tuning and larger radiator, but will have the 3.55 gears (as opposed to 3.73 in US PP models) with a limited slip diff.

mustang-3

A few other options that you can’t get in Euro-spec Mustangs include adaptive cruise control, Recaro seats, daytime running lights, and a rear spoiler (which honestly was tiny anyway). Finally, this brings us to the biggest difference between US and Euro models: power.

The US GT comes with 435 hp and 400 lb/ft of torque. The Euro-spec GT sees a drop in power, coming in at 410 hp and 386 lb/ft of torque. Is it a huge, significant, world changing loss of power? Of course not, but 25 additional hp would have been welcomed, I’m sure.

mustang-4

So now, our Euro friends can finally go down to their Ford dealer and get their own Mustang. They can finally have their own 50 year American icon, and fall in love with modifications like I did (I know modding is a much bigger thing in the States than it is elsewhere). As evidenced by Richard’s face during the segment, it will make lots of potential owners very happy.

I only wish the Mustang GT put up a better showing on the timed lap, but it’s understandable. It’s not exactly a small, light car, but who cares? It’s tons of fun and looks great.

Look at that; I managed to only sneak in one picture of my car. I think that deserves a pat on the back.

Tony Hsieh

Cars, the Buffalo Bills, video games, comics, sandwiches, jelly beans, and the shooting star press; these are the things that Tony loves (in addition to his family, of course). When he's not spending his time writing tech reviews for theslanted.com, Tony puts his lifetime love of muscle cars to use on his 2015 Mustang GT. Tony's top three favorite cars are the 1973 Mustang Mach 1, Ferrari 458, and Aston Martin DBS.

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One Comment

  1. Planning on buying my first Mustang here in the states by May of this coming year. Looking forward to it.

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