Iconic Ford Mustang offers engines for all kinds of buyers

Nothing inspires youthful enthusiasm like a fun romp in a high- powered pony car. Revving the engine and listening to its throaty roar might tempt drivers to test the off- the- mark performance from a red light. Owners of the iconic Ford Mustang are familiar with this feeling.

Whether you prefer its fastbacks-tyle hardtop or its soft- top convertible, this rear-wheel- drive-muscle car offers a variety of models and engines for nearly every buyer. Nowin its sixth generation, the sporty 2017 Ford Mustang is loaded with innovative technologies and features a slate of engines that can meet your need for fuel economy or high performance.

Outside, the sleek fastback features steeply sloped windshield and rear glass and carries such heritage- based design cues as hood- vent turn signals and various California, Pony and Black Accent packages.

Inside, an aviation- inspired cockpit offers all the information an active driver needs with large, clear instrumentation. The roomier cabin boasts improved ergonomics, while tactile switches and knobs provide better control; a carbon- fiber- look dashboard completes the presentation. Front- seat room is generous, though the back seat is best left to transporting groceries over fullsize adults. A rear- view camera is standard; a blind spot monitoring system with rear cross- traffic alert is available, and an optional adaptive cruise control feature includes a radar- based forward collision warning system that pre- loads the brakes.

Powerplants range froma base 3.7literV- 6 that makes 300 horsepower and 280 pound- feet of torque to a turbocharged 2.3- liter four- cylinder EcoBoost engine that produces 310 horsepower and 320 pound- feet of torque to a high- performance 5.0literV- 8 found in GT and GT Premium models that promises 435 horsepower and 400 pound- feet of torque.

Each is mated to your choice of standard six- speed manual transmission or optional six- speed automatic with steering- wheel- mounted paddle shifters. If that’s not enough performance for you, step up to the Shelby GT350, which boasts a 5.2- literV- 8 that kicks out 526 horsepower and 429 pound- feet of torque and is paired with a six- speed manual transmission.

All offer exhilarating acceleration, planted handling and grippy braking. Toggle switches on the console quickly adjust steering effort, engine response and transmission and electronic stability control settings. A number of performance options are available.

The 2017 Mustang offers keyless access with push- button start as well as standard Track Apps, MyColor gauges and Ford’s MyKey system with parental controls for geo- fencing, speed limit, stability control, audio volume, radio content, seat belt reminders and low fuel warnings.

Pricing starts at $ 25,185 for the base Mustang,$ 30,685 for the convertible and $ 56,145 for the Shelby GT350 performance model.

Editor’s note: The 2018 Ford Mustang is coming this fall.