So I picked up my new 2012 GT Premium Convertible with Brembo package this Saturday. Couldn't find it anywhere near me in San Diego despite a month of looking and talking to dealers (who, btw, reminded me how effin lazy they are). Found a car that was special ordered but not picked up in Richmond CA (north of Oakland). Saturday I took a 500 mile maiden voyage... there really is no better way to test drive a car than to take it on a 500 mile daytrip that involves mountains, twisties, huge flats, and wide open road from SF to SD. Really fun drive. A couple of observations:
1. I upgraded from an E46 M3. I was very nervous about being disappointed in the 60-120 range as the M3 is incredibly well tuned for flexibility and nimbleness in that range. Much to my surprise the Mustang performs incredibly well in that range. The powerband is very well smoothed out to afford gobs of power but with a lot of control. The car hunkers down after 60 much like my m3 did and get a lot more "together"...
2. Low gearing is a bit odd. I've been starting it in second, because I like the length of it, and third is really well designed. First is a little useless. As is sizth (unless you are saving gas
3. Ford got a LOT right with this car. The two cars I had previous to this are the m3 and a 997 911. It absolutely does not have the finish, which I didn't expect, but what I was surprised by is the incredible work that has been done with the handling. Much tighter, much better road feel, and even the finish is better than my expectations in the cockpit.
4. That said... I would love less roll, and a little less hesitation on long turns. The car just wants to go straight, and its great on sudden tight turns. But on longer fast gradual turns, it can use a steadier feel. I suspect this is simple to fix with a new set of springs, and some lowering - it sits a bit high.
5. Cars schooled on the way down from SF: M3, 270z, Infiniti G37, Acura TypeS, Cayman. Cars that stayed neck in neck: 911S, Benz 600sl. Car that destroyed me: Gallardo.
6. Kona Blue looks positively purple in the sun. I don't care what anyone says. Its purple.
Anyway... love the car, looking forward to opening it up and modding it up a bit. The biggest grin-inducer has got to be its high speed manuverability and power. Just awesome.
-PH
1. I upgraded from an E46 M3. I was very nervous about being disappointed in the 60-120 range as the M3 is incredibly well tuned for flexibility and nimbleness in that range. Much to my surprise the Mustang performs incredibly well in that range. The powerband is very well smoothed out to afford gobs of power but with a lot of control. The car hunkers down after 60 much like my m3 did and get a lot more "together"...
2. Low gearing is a bit odd. I've been starting it in second, because I like the length of it, and third is really well designed. First is a little useless. As is sizth (unless you are saving gas
3. Ford got a LOT right with this car. The two cars I had previous to this are the m3 and a 997 911. It absolutely does not have the finish, which I didn't expect, but what I was surprised by is the incredible work that has been done with the handling. Much tighter, much better road feel, and even the finish is better than my expectations in the cockpit.
4. That said... I would love less roll, and a little less hesitation on long turns. The car just wants to go straight, and its great on sudden tight turns. But on longer fast gradual turns, it can use a steadier feel. I suspect this is simple to fix with a new set of springs, and some lowering - it sits a bit high.
5. Cars schooled on the way down from SF: M3, 270z, Infiniti G37, Acura TypeS, Cayman. Cars that stayed neck in neck: 911S, Benz 600sl. Car that destroyed me: Gallardo.
6. Kona Blue looks positively purple in the sun. I don't care what anyone says. Its purple.
Anyway... love the car, looking forward to opening it up and modding it up a bit. The biggest grin-inducer has got to be its high speed manuverability and power. Just awesome.
-PH