Given the technologically advanced state of modern suspension, there were those who were appalled that a new car could be released with a solid rear axle. I think it was a stroke of brilliance!

Not only does add primitive muscle car character, it imparts a feeling that the Mustang is a bit on the edge (like the scrappy wild horses it was named for).

And therein lies the attraction. To me, the new Mustang is a modern interpretation of the glory days of muscle cars - simple, a bit raw, not without faults, but overwhelmingly fun uncomplicated.

There aren't a lot of changes for 2007. GT Premium models can add a new California Special Package featuring 18 inch wheels, front and rear fascias, door stripe package, side scoops, even lower chin spoiler, leather seat inserts. The GT Appearance package features rolled exhaust tips, hood scoop and an engine cover adorned with the Pony emblem.

These 18-inch polished aluminum wheels are optional on the GT.

First impressions are everything
My tester, a 2007 GT Coupe made a good first impression. Clad in grey, metal flake with a lavender tinge and black racing stripes, period correct (although much larger) 20" Torque knockoff rims, and grille mounted driving lights - it was a ringer for "Eleanor" the infamous star of moviedom's "Gone in 60 Seconds". This was not a subtle car.

Being a huge fan of the lean silhoutte of the mid-60s fastbacks, initially I found the new design a bit , well, porky. But coupled with a tough attitude and raucous exhaust note, the new look works. And I had so damn much fun, (and got so much attention!) driving Eleanor that week, that I overlooked its too-ample posterior.

Inside the cockpit...
The extra six inches in wheelbase means this is the roomiest Mustang to date.

The interior was pure muscle car too - and thankfully without the garish red accents of the newly introduced model I'd briefly driven two years previously. Black leather bucket seats, fully power adjustable, were comfortable and provided a good driving position. The rear seats, (which folded 50/50 for extra cargo) although useable, elicited comments of cramped claustrophia from my passengers. Who also cast worried eyes up towards that long sloping rear window, since it came perilously close to making contact with the tops of their heads.

The deeply recessed retro-look gauges came with a variety of backlighting colours, which could be changed to suit the driver's mood (a bit silly but probably catering to certain V6 automatic clientele).

The dashboard layout is simple and commands are easy to use.