% WHO TO CALL: Auto Editor § Andrew McCredie 985-2131 (147) OPP Fs I BLU Greg Wilson THE MUSTANG turns thir- ty-two this spring but time . hasn’t changed its distinctly North American character. Like its 1964 ancestor, the cur- rent Mustang is still a four-passen- ger, two-door coupe or convertible with a long hood and a short rear deck, front engine and rear-wheel- ive, six-cylinder and V8 engines, and a solid rear axle. ' Though the current model was updated extensively in 1993 with all-new exterior and interior styling, engine and suspension improve- ments, its platform was derived from the previous generation, Mustang that had been around for about 14 years.. ~ Was Ford trying to save on man- ufacturing costs by extending the life of an old platform? In fact, no. At one time, Ford was thinking of replacing the Mustang with the . modern front-wheel-drive Ford Probe, but surveys of Mustang-own- ers revealed that most wanted a tra, ditional rear-wheel-drive, North - American sporty coupe. Front- wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive was a definite no-no. ° ‘For. 1996, the Mustang continues: the tradition — with one inajor exception. A new.4.6-litre single overhead cam V8 engine replaces . the traditional overhead valve 5.0- ‘litre V8 engine in the GT model. Though the new engine is-smaller, it offers the same amount of horse- power and slightly less torque than the 5.0-litre V8. The new engine develops 215 horsepower @ 4,400 rpm (compared to 215 @ 4,200 for NEWS photo Mike Wakeileld THE 1996 Ford Mustang GT offers a traditional rear-wheel-drive platform and a new 215 horsepower overhead cam 4. 6-litre v8 engine. Saddie-up a new Mustang for a test drive at Dave Buck Ford, 879 Marine Dr. North Varicouver (980-2411). the 5.0-litre V8) and 215 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4,400 rpm (compared to 285 ft.-Ibs. @ 3,400 rpm). Mustang GT owners won't be happy to see a reduction in torque — the instant throttle response of traditional OHV V8’s is one of their greatest appeals. However, in my test-drive, I found that there’s more than enough low-end throttle responsiveness with this new over- head cam engine to satisfy the most torque-hungry of GT owners. There’s even enough torque to lug around in fifth gear at 50 km-h (31 m.p.h.), and pull away cleanly. Ford has cleverly matched the sound of the new overhead cam ‘engine with the old engine, It's got that same throaty burble at idle, and race-car like ‘whoaaaa’ under accel- ITSRRSP me’ So what kind of a car eration. Fuel economy is slightly better. The 4.6-litre V8 gets about 10% better fuel economy overall, with the biggest gains in highway mileage. By the way. Ford also offers a 300 horsepower, four-valve per cylinder version of this 4.6-litre V8 engine in the limited-production Mustang Cobra coupe and convert- ible For 1996, the base 3.8-litre OHV V6 engine has five more horsepower (150) and a new, stronger engine block and other technical improve- ments which Ford claims will increase durability and quietness. Other changes to the 1996 Mustang are minor. The rear tai- lights now have three vertical lenses (as did the original Mustang) instead ‘YES! THIS IS IRDEED) A GREAT, GREAT CAR AD! Consider these though of three horizontal ones. There's a new wire mesh grille behind the pony emblem up front, and a new ‘GT 4.6 I’ badge on the front fender. A new key-coded anti-theft system is now standard on all V8 models, and 17-inch tires and alloy wheels are now available on the GT ver- sion. ; Base Mustangs start at $18,895, up from $17,595 in 1995. The 1996 GT coupes are $22,495, up from $21,695. The base 1996 convertibles are $28,395, up from $26,095; and GT convertibles are $32,595, up trom $28,695. The GTS trim level hus been dropped. Standard equipment on the GT coupe includes: a five-speed Warner T45 manual gearbox with strong, direct throws; a full set of gauges ad is this? You will defer both GST and: Provincial tax on your new vehicle because these taxes are only on your , lease payment..: not what YOU gus vy Duy the ¢ car or suck for 1s air conditioning — manufacturer's suggested yetail $25,800 — Zero down and 3 year smart f lease is just 1338.02 per month OAC - Total paid $12,096.72 — taxes are extra but only on including tachometer; centre console and armrest; split-folding rear seats (except on the convertible); four’. wheel disc brakes and P225/55ZR_ 16 all-season performance radials | mounted on alloy wheels. mo Optional equipment includes - ABS brakes, cassette or CD player, air-conditioning, power windows and door locks, automatic transmis- sion, power driver's seat and leather upholstery. {f you want a traditional domes- tic rear-wheel-drive sporty coupe or convertible, the Mustang and the Camaro/Firebird are your only choices. Even though most sporty - coupes are now front-wheel-drive, the appeal of traditional North: American rear-wheel-drive sporty coupes shows no sign of fading. Lease your car or truck and take what you would have! for a down pa iy ment (or trade equity) and B AN RRS: Pl Is this better, . YOURSELF =/CALL US ho FO DETAILS! 937-5231 {out of town call collect