Once the GT is at cruising speed, routine passing can be confidently undertaken without the need to gear down, but what

This V8 loves to rev, and as cogs are swapped, it roars to its redline time and time again with nary a hint of breathlessness. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

would Steve McQueen say about that? This V8 loves to rev, and as cogs are swapped, it roars to its redline time and time again with nary a hint of breathlessness. Power delivery is linear and unrelenting, launching the GT to 96 km/h (60 mph) in a breathtaking 4.9 seconds (5.1 seconds with the automatic), while emitting a roar through its twin pipes that would have the MGM lion choosing flight over fight. I was tickled to find my Legend Lime-coloured tester was equipped with a manual mixer, rather than the optional autobox. This short-throw, short-lever unit notched through the

My Legend Lime-coloured tester was equipped with a manual mixer, rather than the optional autobox. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

slots with accuracy, but a firm hand was needed due to shift actuation that is a tad on the stiff side. The clutch engaged progressively, at the high end of its travel, which made shifting like a pro - or old Steve - that much easier. Unlike the manual drivelines in premium performance cars like the V8-powered Audi S4 and BMW 540i, the Mustang's driveline is slightly less polished, emitting more noise and slap. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, especially to the truly performance-minded folk who prefer not being over-insulated from the raw power under foot, and who savour every mechanical nuance in its production.