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Video: Can the 2018 Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Perform at the Drag Strip?

The 2018 Ford Mustang GT is a lot faster than the old one. The benchmarks we set for the 2016 model with a manual transmission were zero-to-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and the quarter-mile in 13.2 seconds.

Related: No Replacement for Displacement: Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Video

Now, for the 2018 model, there’s 460 horsepower instead of 435, and there are 10 speeds on this automatic transmission versus six speeds on the last one. There are also stickier Michelin tires on this Performance Pack model and a drag-strip-oriented Drag mode. We put this to the test to see if we could hit Ford’s claim that it does zero-to-60 in less than 4 seconds.

The goal was an under-4-second zero-to-60 time, and we did it … in 3.99 seconds. We made it by that much. Personally, I wanted to see the car run sub-12 seconds in the quarter-mile … and we did it in 11.98 seconds at 119 mph.

The takeaway, though, is that this 10-speed automatic transmission is flying. It helps this car get down the track real easy and real quick. The transmission combined with these Michelin tires that have nearly as much grip as a drag radial meant I had zero drama at the drag strip. No wheelspin and wide-open throttle launches made it an effortless experience. Those numbers came on the third run of the day.

Shop the 2018 Ford Mustang near you

Used
2018 Ford Mustang GT
20,721 mi.
$34,750
Used
2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
51,282 mi.
$17,990

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Managing Editor
Joe Bruzek

Managing Editor Joe Bruzek’s 22 years of automotive experience doesn’t count the lifelong obsession that started as a kid admiring his dad’s 1964 Chevrolet Corvette — and continues to this day. Joe’s been an automotive journalist with Cars.com for 16 years, writing shopper-focused car reviews, news and research content. As Managing Editor, one of his favorite areas of focus is helping shoppers understand electric cars and how to determine whether going electric is right for them. In his free time, Joe maintains a love-hate relationship with his 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am that he wishes would fix itself. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bruzek-2699b41b/

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