2025 Ford Mustang GT/CS: The Seductive Side of the V8
| Strong points |
|
|---|---|
| Weak points |
|
In today’s fast-evolving automotive world, where electrification sets the pace and SUVs rule the roads, a few icons simply refuse to die. Among them, the Ford Mustang stands tall, living its best life ever since its debut in 1964. Sure, the Mustang Mach-E crossover has helped keep the brand in the spotlight in recent years, but for true driving enthusiasts, the classic V8-powered pony car is still the one capturing imaginations—now for more than 60 years.
To mark this milestone, the Dearborn-based automaker last year introduced a commemorative 60th Anniversary package. Over the summer, however, we chose to revisit the full American dream behind the wheel of a California Special (CS) convertible—a moniker that feels almost taboo in these pragmatic, electrified times.
As you know, the Mustang has long been more than just a U.S. favourite. It's a car that carries global resonance, proving that the American dream can stretch far beyond U.S. borders. Technically, it could serve as a daily driver, but for most owners, a Mustang is seldom the primary car in the driveway. It's an emotional purchase, not a rational one—the opposite of your average A-to-B commuter.
This road test happened to coincide with a rough stretch in your humble writer’s professional life. Mercifully, the act of driving a proper sports car can offer the kind of therapeutic relief few other machines can. This is the story of a healing road trip.
California Vibes, Reimagined
Let’s start with what the California Special package brings to the table. Priced at $2,700 (and only available on GT Premium models), it includes 19-inch carbonized gray wheels as standard. Since our test car also featured the GT Performance Package, it came fitted with wider machined aluminum wheels featuring Rave Blue inserts.
Other visual cues include a GT/CS badge within the rear "GT" emblem, black-and-blue side decals, black-painted headlight bezels, as well as a unique grille design without the traditional Mustang emblem. Inside, the California spirit continues with Navy Blue upholstery and blue-and-white contrast stitching.
Performance With a GT Punch
Beyond the cosmetic tweaks, this Mustang GT was also equipped with the Performance Package, which ups the ante considerably. On top of the aforementioned wider wheels, it includes Brembo brakes at all four corners, an electronic handbrake, front tow hook, Torsen limited-slip differential (with a 3.73 axle ratio), beefier front springs, larger rear sway bar and recalibrated chassis.
Even the electronic stability control system, ABS and steering get unique tuning. The result is a properly dialed-in machine aimed at drivers who like to feel every corner, every gear shift, every heartbeat of the car.
Top Down, Throttle Wide Open
Driving a Mustang GT convertible is not a low-key affair—especially when the top is down, tucked behind the rear seats. Hit the red start button, and the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 lets out a soul-stirring growl. Incidentally, the sound can be tuned via a pair of buttons on the left side of the steering wheel.
Thanks to the six drive modes (Normal, Sport, Slippery, Track, Drag, Custom), drivers can tailor the experience to match their mood and preferences. Sport is perfect for everyday thrills, with a fuller exhaust note, while Normal keeps things civilized for city driving. You can even quiet things down using the active exhaust valves—a blessing for early morning drives in peaceful neighbourhoods.
Switch to Track or Drag mode, and things get more serious: driver aids are disabled, throttle response sharpens, steering stiffens, and the ride gets noticeably firmer. It’s all a bit raw, a bit demanding—exactly what muscle car purists crave in 2025.
With the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger gone from the market, Ford’s pony car stands alone. Yes, Dodge is working on a new Charger with an internal combustion option, and Cadillac’s CT5-V Blackwing remains a V8/manual combo, although at a much steeper price. For now, the Mustang GT is the last V8-powered two-door car with a manual gearbox you can buy without breaking the bank.
Therapy, American Style
I’ve previously written about the Mazda MX-5 being a kind of therapy on wheels, a machine built for one simple purpose: to make its driver smile. Well, the Ford Mustang GT fills the same role, albeit with a louder, angrier soundtrack, and room for four to share the ride.
Hearing the Coyote V8 roar, feeling the car lean into corners, and seeing your passengers grin beneath wind-blown hair—now that’s real-life joy in motion.
No, this Mustang didn’t solve my career-related concerns. But for a few golden hours, it pushed the stress aside, filling the silence with exhaust pops and wide smiles. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
