Friday. June 4, 1999 — North Shore News — 33 Restyled for 1999, the Mustang has a sharper “New Edge” look, more horsepower from both VG and V8 engines, improved handling, and new all-speed traction control. THE 1999 Mustang’s sharper contours can be credited to Ford’s “New Edge” styling theme now being used on some of Ford’s newer cars, such as the Mercury Cougar and the soon-to-be-intro- duced Ford Focus. . Though its basic propor- tions are still the same as the 1993 model (when it was last redesigned), the "99 Mustang now has definitive creases in the bodywork particularly leading into the non-func- tional side scoops and hood seth ¢ perimeter around the headiamps and taillights has been squared- -off, and the grille opening is also more square. In addition, the *99 - Mustang has more pro- "nounced wheel arches, restyled alloy wheels in 15-, 16- and 17-inch diameter ~ sizes, larger, three-inch-diam- eter dual tail pipes on GT models, and 35th-anniversary tri-colour emblems on the, sides of the front fenders (the ® es a TRANSPAESSION ff “EE SINCE 1962 & @ Hesitation? BB Difficuity driving in one or more gears? Car sounds line it's running, but won't move? TTRANSERISSION TUNE-UP . " "eda © Rad Te «erate 8 PLUS Sra | drive first Mustang was introduced in April 1964.) But while the Mustang’s sharper styling is getting most of the attention, it’s the mechanical upgrades that are most significant. Horsepower on both V6 and V8 engines has been increased significantly, han- dling has been improved, and traction control is a new, and worthwhile option. The Mustang’s standard 3.8 litre V6 engine gets 40 more horsepower and 10 foot-pounds of torque, and is now rated at 190 hip. at 5,250 rp.m. and 225 Ibs.-f. at 3,000 r.p.m. . The power increase was accomplished by improving engine breathing and efficien- cy: there's a new intake mani- TRANSMISSION i Leaking red fuld? & Marsh shifting? lg 7? e fut) — Sof {hus fone tm fe te ne pean | ws ‘kn fold, cylinder head improve- ments and new piston coat- ings zor. reduced friction. In addition, a balance shatt was added to reduce engine noise and vibration. When I first picked up my test car, a V6 convertible, I thought it had « V8 engine — the increased horsepower and torque is that impressive. The V6 engine has a throaty, macho burbling sound, much like a V8, and there’s lots of low-end torque which translates into respon- sive acceleration, and fewer gear changes. Under hard acceleration, the V6 is unashamedly unre- fined, but at cruising speeds, the engine loafs along quietly at just 1,800 r.p.m. — which explains in part why this car gets such good highway gas mileage: 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres (38 mpg). The 1999 Mustang GT’s revised 4.6 litre SOHC V8 has 35 more horsepower and 10 more foot pounds of torque. Horsepower is now 260 at 5,259 r.p.m. and torque is now a significant 300 Ibs.-it at 4,000 r.p.m. IAYLOR B.C.A.A. - A.R.A. APPROVED CENTRE ‘& shop This was achieved with new higher-lift, longer-dura- tion camshafts, bigger valves, and revised intake manifold runners that increase intake airflow above 2,000 r.p.m. The V8 engine also has coil-on-plug ignition tor increased reliability and high- er-cnergy sparking for more efficient combustion. As before, a five-speed manual transmission is stan- dard, and a four-speed auto- matic is optional. Both have a performance-oriented 3.27:1 rear axle ratio. The five-speed manual shifter in my test car had medium-length throws with a solid, direct, mechanical fecl that complemented the car’s visceral nature. For the first time, : Mustangs offer all-speed trac- tion control, a system which reduces wheel spin, particular- ly on wet or slippery roads. The system uses the ABS sensors to detect excess drive- wheel spin, and reduces it by retarding ignition timing, reducing fuel flow, and appro- priate brake application. A console-mounted on/off switch allows the dri- ALL MAKE COLLISION REPAIRS “LIFETIME GUARANTEE” Alternative transportation arranged TALKING x Estimaies *- YELLOW PAGES 299-9900 Consultation 7141515... 985-7455 ver the choice of turning it on or off, Other changes for 1999 include improved steering centre feel, and a reduced turning circle. To improve handling and ride, the rear track was increased by 1.4 inches and the jounce travel was increased by 1.5 inches. In addition, convertible models have additional under- body rail extenders to reduce body shake. The Mustang’s interior remains much the same as. before: Its two distinctive half-round dashboard cowls wrap neatly down into the centre console area. In the centre dash area are large rotary knobs for the fan and temperature controls, howev- er there’s no air recirculation switch. Below that is a well- marked white-on-black radio with a push-button volume control, and on the lower console is a 12-volt power outlet for accessories, and two cupholders, one of which can be converted to an ashtray. Mustangs have a good set of gauges including tachome- ter, voltmeter, coolant tem- ife-edge’ styling perature, and oil level gauges. To accommodate taller drivers, the driver’s seat now has a one-inch-longer track, and an optional power dri- ver's seat also is now available with six-way (instead of four- way) power adjustment. Interior storage space is limited to a smal! central stor- age bin, a small glovebox, and map pockets on the doors. A new combined AM/FM stereo/radio CD unit with upgraded speakers is now available as well as the high performance MACH 460 audio system with two ampli- fiers and powerful sub-woofer assembly. Convertible Mustangs, available in base, GT, and SVT Cobra models, have a power-operated top. The driver releases two ‘latches in the header, presses a button on the console, and the top lowers in about 15 seconds. A flexible, vinyl tonneau cover (which stores in the - trunk) slips over the lowered top to protect it and give the ear a cleaner look. The con- See Mustang page 34 CITY AUTO JAPANESE CAR SPECIALIST OVER 26 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE \-eHH We are Honda experis. Hard to 65 Mahon & Espisnade, Mort Vancouver 9846-4566 diagnose problems are our specialty. if you drive a Honda, GIV AUTO is your besi service option.