Luxury Life & Style

triple threat 2008 ford Mustang In April of 1964, the debut of the Mustang suddenly shifted how auto manufacturers would design, build, and market automobiles. Although a lot has changed since the first Mustang rolled off the showroom floor, much remains the same. The 2008 GT convertible boasts a healthy 300-horsepower, 4.6-liter V8 linked to either a 5-speed manual or an automatic transmission. Able to sprint to 60 miles per hour in a little over five seconds and boasting a top gallop of about 145 miles per hour, it’s one of the quickest and fastest Mustang GTs in the model’s 40-plus year history. Compared to the Viper and Corvette, the Mustang is basic, which helps keep the costs down. But, it’s also one of the most fun cars you can own. Available in two GT specifications, GT Deluxe and GT Premium, the latter boasts leather seats and a higher-end Shaker 500 sound system among other features. However, like all Mustangs, the strength is in the optional extras. It’s a car you can pretty much create as your very own, and your wallet is the limit. The GT convertible base price is a touch over $31,000, which for the styling, performance, and build quality is very reasonable. The free-revving V8, comfortable interior, and superb chassis and body construction make it one of the best cars Ford has ever built, bolstering its fun-to-drive status. Since the beginning, Mustang convertibles have been enjoyable to drive, but plagued with body twist, rattles, leaks, shaking cowls, and so on. When the 1994 models emerged, many of these issues were addressed, which set the stage for the current generation car. While previous ‘Stangs were difficult to handle in high-speed situations, the 2008 cars are worlds away from what they used to be. Handling is much more predictable, braking steady, and the body is stiff. Ford has worked hard to create more of an upscale feel with the Mustang, and it’s paying off in spades. While it’s no BMW or Lexus, for a Mustang it’s a breath of fresh air, and for the price, it’s hard to go wrong. South Bay Ford Lincoln Mercury, 5100 West Rosecrans Avenue, Hawthorne. 888-280-6093, southbayford.com.• 2008 forD MuStang SpeCifiCationS* BoDY: Material: Steel Overall Length: 187.6 in. Overall Width: 79.8 in. Height: 55.4 in. Wheelbase: 107.1 in. Curb Weight: 3,488 lbs. Weight distribution (fr/rr): N/A Photos courtesy of their respective companies. MeChaniCalS: Transmission: 5-speed manual or automatic Engine: 4.6-liter V8 (281 cubic inches) Horsepower: 300 Torque: 320 tireS: FR: 235/55ZR17 RR: Above perforManCe: 0-62 MPH: 5 seconds Top Speed: 145 (est.) *Manufacturer informational claims 50 luxury life & Style July/August 2008 southbayford.com

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