2020 Ford Mustang GT500

So this is it. The fastest Mustang ever made. Ford reached out about this event, which had been cancelled all over due to COVID-19. My schedule was pretty empty for events and test drives recently - this was the treat we needed for 2020.

There has been a million and a half articles, reviews and opinions on this car. I won’t even get into the specs, basically - just google. This car has been filling up the socials and headlines since it was announced. I will say though, a Mustang that costs this much? How good could it really be?

We headed to Chicago the day before, so we were not late or stuck in Ohio Turnpike garbage. I had thoughts about taking the Z06 again from my father, but we opted for his Trailblazer SS. A perfect vehicle for an eco run…

I wasn’t sure really what to expect, seriously. Everything has been shuttered for so long and I really haven’t done much of anything due to the pandemic. So we were a bit worried. Ford made sure to reach out and tell us what was to be expected: masks, sanitizing, cleaning, distancing and more. They really made a huge effort to encourage us to come and also enhance their cleaning. Also, the event is mostly outside - which was great because the weather was insanely good according to the forecast.

The size of this event was something to be seen, which is below in the video. There were multiple stations, tech demonstrations and Q&A panels. Ford and the event organizers really wanted to convey that this just isn’t another blower thrown onto a GT.

The video below speaks for itself, but I want to convey that the 4-5 laps I took in the car weren’t enough. I am in no position to purchase this car, nor had I ever wanted to drop the cost of a house on a Mustang. By the end though, they really had me thinking about it. Obviously, this isn’t going to happen anytime soon, but that is saying something. This Mustang literally does it all and then some. Track days, family hauling, drag strip, tech…. I mean seriously. The GT500 is an absolute madman you have to experience. I hope the video I put together gives you a small taste of this car. Enjoy!

The New Mustang Mach 1

Recently, Ford has been doing lots of things right in my opinion, especially from my enthusiast perspective. The Focus RS was a blast, everybody seems to want a Raptor and the Mustang models have been killer. I became a believer twice now with Mustang - I drove the Bullitt a little while back and I also had a pretty zippy turbo Mustang on rental down in Florida.

Avis Rental Mustang

The game has changed again, twice! The Shelby GT-500 has been released and the Mach 1 is coming soon as well. Similar to the Bullitt, Ford pulls from the parts bin to make the Mach 1 happen. Some GT-350 pieces here and there, a little bit of retro styling thrown in and after 17 years, the Mach 1 returns. For me, you just can’t hate on a Mustang - they are so simple, practical and also just do what you expect them to do. I will say though, that white one above had some moves but it really didn’t sound right. Whenever I start a Mustang, I expect the signature Ford V8 rumble.

Either way, they continue to push the options to buyers and I love that. Keep it up Ford - I’ll see you in a week to drive the GT-500….. My excitement level is at 11.

Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye

The Hellcat - We all know what it is. Dodge & FCA has done an amazing job marketing and pushing this idea that you need 700hp. They honestly have me convinced and I feel like I might get one to replace the Impala someday. Who really knows, it all depends on where they go in price on the used market. The other trick is finding one that wasn’t tracked, like I do below.

The Hellcat wasn’t enough apparently, so they made the Redeye. “Possessed by The Demon” is one of their taglines and it’s true. They basically took the normal Hellcat and put some Demon parts on, resulting in 797hp… Think about that. Seven-Hundred-Ninety-Seven Horsepower! Add in a 10.8 second quarter mile time. That is insane that they are even allowed to sell this thing. I can imagine a random accountant or stock broker picking one of these up due to excessive box checking. The results are predictable but not ideal. Hopefully that doesn’t happen and they stay comfortably in the garage until I can afford one.

Anyways - the video below is just a leasurly if not somewhat exciting few laps around the track. This event had a professional in the passenger seat for good reason. Lots of automotive journalists can’t be trusted… I think we all did pretty good though and when I watch this back I really wish they didn’t have me on the track with anybody else. Until next time Hellcat Redeye.

Fiat 124 Spider Lusso

The 124 isn't unique - with so many parts and similarities to the Miata, you have to wonder why Fiat even bothered.  Well, I'm glad they did!  I had a blast in this car, even though I predicted I wouldn't right when I first looked at this thing.

The power wasn't anything major, the styling is just ok, but honestly nothing can replace that fun feeling of a convertible just zipping around everybody. If you get the chance to drive one of these, don't snub your nose - just go do it.  Drop the top, fire it up and see what you think. I highly recommend you don't go race a Corvette or Focus RS - you will definitely lose.  This car is perfect for half the year here in Ohio, the other half you need to park it. 

Below, you'll see my hour spent in the car, condensed down for your enjoyment.  I was able to test out the Lusso model, which is top end in comfort, not performance.  I really want to drive the Abarth version some day.... Call me Fiat, please.  Also, I would prefer a manual in this guy.  For the full picture, watch the video below and hopefully you will be as surprised as I was.  

 

Off-Road in the Renegade

The Jeep has always had a special place in my heart.  As I have mentioned in previous posts and videos, it was my first car.  I had a 1987 Wrangler and it just had a certain feel to it; allowing you do take the top down and at the same time crawl over end of the world debris and floods.  Now every single day, you don't need this capability, but everybody wants some comfort now.

The current Jeep Wrangler has a similar feel, but the Renegade has shown up as a smallish option built on a Fiat chasis that can still do all the big boy stuff and also fit into a cheaper rental car fleet.  I had a chance to drive one through a short off-road course, nothing overly difficult, but it gave me the feeling of fun in a Jeep again.  I really enjoyed this thing and highly recommend you check them out.  You will be paying Jeep prices, which means more than your normal small SUV/crossover, but at the same time this thing is loaded with easter eggs and Jeep heritage - which has to be worth a little something extra, right?