There’s a great weight of expectation on the new Ford Mustang. Partly that’s because the last one was a heap of fun to drive (and we’re expecting more this time around), and partly it’s because cars of its ilk just don’t exist anymore. We need the front-engined, rear-drive, manual, V8 Mustang to be good to remind us of how fundamentally sound that configuration can be. The early signs from US drives are good; Steeda is planning even better Mustangs already.
You might recall the name from its work with the previous generation S550 ‘Stang, and its recent EU certification as a manufacturer; buy one of its cars now and the V5 will say it’s a Steeda Mustang, not just a Ford Mustang. Handy here for resale and collectability, but also a boon in those countries where regulations on aftermarket tuning are stricter. Because you’re buying a new model from a certified carmaker.
Steeda will offer a pair of Q-Series derivatives for the new S650 generation, the Q500 based on the GT and the Q767 based on the Dark Horse. They follow models of the same name announced last year for the old car of which only a few were made because production was winding up; Steeda’s European Director Robbie Kazandijan said: “The initial Q Series cars we delivered last year got a tremendous response… now customers are free to order the base car they want, and we can build them the Mustang they deserve. I have heard people say that there are no longer any affordable sports cars available. Well, Steeda offers one!"
To that end, the two Mustangs aim to ‘entice drivers in pursuit of authentic performance without the hefty price tag and technology overload of many sports cars’. It’s all about chassis and handling, too, not some crazy power gain. So a Q767 with the Magneride gets new Steeda springs, adjustable anti-roll bars to go with them (including solid billet ends and mounts), bracing front and rear, camber plates to dial in up to three degrees of negative camber and something called a Steeda Independent Rear Suspension package. There’s not much detail on that for now, but it’s said to improve grip and stability at the rear.
The upgrade also includes jacking rails to ‘allow easy access for wheel and set up changes on track and protect the underside of the car.’ That’s the kind of driver a Steeda Mustang is aimed at, with testing at Sebring, Road Atlanta and Homestead Miami to prove the point. Apparently the Q Series overhaul makes for flatter cornering, better traction and reduced wheel hop. ‘While it has been regarded as an intriguing muscle car, it has never been regarded as a legitimate contender in the realm of sports cars, unlike the established offerings from BMW M, Mercedes AMG, or Porsche. Steeda’s aim is to change that.’ They’re aiming high, that’s for certain. The work can also be adapted for non-Magneride models, too.
The Q Series already promises a great deal then, but Steeda can offer more for those wishing to turn the dial further. There are a new range of wheel options, for example, matched to Michelin PS4S or Cup 2 tyres, plus a Power Pack, a Track Pack to maximise the circuit ability and even a supercharger for the really committed. In short, anyone wanting to make a mad Mustang will find everything they need available from Steeda. As for the Q500 and Q767 models, exact prices are expected later in the year. But with the GT from £55,725 and the Dark Horse from £67,995, any Steeda Mustang of the new era will be a significant investment - but then if it is one of the final V8s…
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