2018 Mustang GT: Performance Pack 1 is More Than Enough
With Michelin Pilot Sport tires, 3.55 gears, beefy sway bars, and six-piston Brembo brakes, does the 2018 Mustang GT need anything else?
If you’ve been on the fence about whether to choose the 2018 Mustang GT Performance Pack 2, here’s a tip: The Performance Pack 1 already has it all. That isn’t to deride anyone who opts for the Perfomance Package 2, that one is full of goodies that places you just a below a GT350, but we’ll get to that later. Let’s first admire this badass pony we got to test drive.
This absolutely gorgeous 2018 Ford Mustang GT in the Orange Fury hue was such a delight to drive. Despite having an automatic transmission, it is still beastly to drive with the PP1’s 3.55 gear limited slip differential and 10-speed 10R80 transmission. Yes, the same 10R80 in the 2018 EcoBoost.
Performance Pack 1 Aesthetics
We’re already well aware how aggressive, angular, and downright curvaceous the 2018 refresh of the S550 platform is, however, there are a few differences for this year’s GT, especially those equipped with the PP1.
Firstly, the the rear brake lights on the base 2018 Mustang GT are slightly restyled from the straight tri-bar design of last year’s model to a subtly curved set instead. Secondly, the PP1 adds a stylish-looking, low-profile rear wing spoiler, which looks much better than the minimalistic wicker bill-type spoilers that comes with the base models. Wicker bills are nice looking when they have the right amount of profile, however this one looks and feels sportier.
The PP1 also comes with a spun-aluminum instrument panel and two more gauges (one for oil temp, one for vacuum pressure) nestled between the centermost air vents on the center stack. Putting them on the A-pillar is more effective, as the viewing angle from the driver’s seat is limited, making them nearly useless. Still, they are nice touches to an already posh modern-age pony car.
Amenities
For what it’s worth, the automatic GT would probably be the closest thing to a luxury American muscle car. No, not referring to the ventilated power seats, but rather the more subtle, convenient things. For example, when you are driving and you come across a particularly dark area, the lights will temporarily become brighter to illuminate more of the area.
When you open the door, the window lowers slightly, then raises back up when you close it. Doesn’t seem all that big of a deal, but since the windows are not part of the upper frame and the doors, the windows act as a seal. BMW and Mercedes have had this feature for a long time, and it brings a touch of class to an already elegant-looking car.
Other things, such as Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and remote start are neat, but the most luxurious part of this automatic GT is the interior.
Though not a PP1 exclusive, the leather option in this Orange Fury Mustang is option is still worth talking about. Sure, it appears and feels like the premium seats you’d get in any other premium trim 2018 Mustang GT. But the ice cream/Oreo cookie color scheme just cranks the beauty knob to 11. Most leather seats you see come with homogenized color on all sides, however these Ceramic White bucket seats come with two colors; cream on the front, black on the back and sides.
Enough with all this acclaim. It’s what’s on the inside (and technically, still outside) that counts. Let’s get to the nitty-gritty of it all.
‘2018 Mustang GT: Performance Pack 1 is More Than Enough’ continued…
