It’s finally time to let the Mustang stretch its legs a bit and show off its performance capabilities heading south on Route 119, then over to 219 as they twist and squirm through the rugged countryside. For 2015, Ford offers the GT Performance Package (with its heavy-duty front springs and sway bars, unique chassis tuning and increased bracing) only for Mustang Coupes, not convertibles. If I’m honest, it was missed on my press car.

Although rigid compared to large convertibles of the past, the Mustang does exhibit some cowl shake over railway tracks and pockmarked pavement. Worse though, is the slightly squishy nature of the Pirelli P Zero Nero all-season performance tires and surprisingly aloof steering feel. Justin Pritchard recently raved enthusiastically about the precision with which the EcoBoost Mustang he drove handled corners but I was not feeling the same here.

My own past experience with a GT coupe fitted with the performance goodies had me eagerly anticipating the composed, competent and light-footed (hoofed?) nature of the new Mustang in cornering. This car was capable but not as exciting or lively to drive. The GT Performance Package will be available for 2016 on Convertibles as well, and if you’re planning to explore the Mustang’s considerable performance capabilities, I highly recommend ordering up this option.

Of course even if this had been 2016, my faithful pony companion could not be outfitted with the GT Performance Package since no Mustang with an automatic transmission can be so equipped. That’s right, this macho V8 performance car was saddled, no make that hobbled, with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Ford’s engineers have programmed the automatic to seek fuel efficiency over performance in everyday driving scenarios, but even when “S” mode is selected, the Mustang is reluctant to downshift and gear changes are sluggish when they do happen. Compared to the great seven- and eight-speed automatics and dual-clutch setups on the market today, this ‘box feels a few generations old and completely out of place in a high performance car. A missing or dysfunctional left leg is the only acceptable reason to order a Mustang GT with an automatic. The standard manual transmission has a great clutch and a true and precise shifter and enhances driving enjoyment of this car infinitely.

Almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River.

“Take Me Home, Country Roads”, John Denver

Boy, that John Denver fella’ was right. The scenery driving through this part of the USA is sensational. Where the Rockies are severe and imposing, the green and rounded ancient mountains of the Blue Ridge range is awe inspiring and somehow welcoming. With frequent last-second stops for scenic pull-off spots, not to mention those lightly travelled two-lanes criss-crossing up and down through the mountains, the Mustang’s brakes were put to the test time and again.

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