While marveling at the driving skill and gear-change mastery displayed by Tagliani during our blast last autumn, I listened

Ford claims the Mustang's solid axle setup is more robust and better able to handle the GT's muscle than an independent rear suspension arrangement. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

eagerly to his passionate endorsement of the GT's handling prowess, which he demonstrated several times over. Now that I have moved from co-pilot to pilot status, I can personally attest to the track-worthiness of its springs. But along with the Stang's razor-sharp handling comes a fairly decent ride - due in part to a chassis that is 31 percent more rigid than ever before. Connected to the firmer structure is a pair of MacPherson struts up front bolstered by a stabilizer bar. Holding the rear in check when the power hits is a three-link solid axle design with coil springs and a rear stabilizer bar. Ford claims the Mustang's solid axle setup is more robust and better able to handle the GT's muscle than an independent rear suspension arrangement. Throughout my testing, I never felt that handling or ride quality was compromised by the rigid design. The car feels beautifully balanced and completely predictable when forward thrust combines with centrifugal force, drifting the tail wide during spirited cornering.

Countering the car's mighty propulsion system is a set of powerful, four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, standard on all 2005

Powerful four-wheel ventilated disc brakes are standard on all 2005 Mustang models. On the GT, antilock technology is also standard equipment. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

Mustang models. On the GT, antilock technology is also standard equipment. My test stops were straight and sure, free of fade and shudder regardless of the speedo's mark when the vice-grips snapped tight, and pedal effort was just right for a performance vehicle - not too sensitive or too vague. Restricting the unbridled rotation of the optional 17-inch alloy wheels is an all-speed traction control system that comes standard on all new Mustangs. A dash-mounted button provides easy deactivation of this parental-like device, allowing the powerplant's full force and effect to be heard and felt.