Run to the Sun — Ford Mustang GT

NWAPA

Imagine driving a very cool new car for a distance between 9 to 25 miles, getting out and then into another very cool car for another 9 to 25 mile leg and then repeating the same routine through 23 cars in a two day period.

Welcome to the 2010 NWAPA (Northwest Automotive Press Association) Run to the Sun held recently in western Washington.? After 23 cars and more than 450 miles of smiles, here are our quick impressions of the Ford Mustang GT.

NWAPA

Ford keeps improving the Mustang, and with the recent reemergence of the Challenger and Camaro, they seem to have intensified their effort.? The biggest news for the latest iteration is the all-new 5.0-liter aluminum V-8 engine.? This sophisticated double overhead cam V-8 with Ford?s new Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing is rated at 412 horsepower without a supercharger or turbocharger.? The sound emitting from the exhaust is musical and the performance is breathtaking with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.4 seconds.? With options like the Brembo brake package, the GT is a very serious performance vehicle.? Even the new 305-hp V-6 version is significantly faster than the average car on the street, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds.? The new GT has a base price of $33,695, and with some cool options like HID headlights, full glass roof, rear view camera and a couple other minor packages, the bottom line is very near $40,000.

See the other 22 ?Run to the Sun? Cars here.

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