GT Premium First Impression

[dfwford]

Disappointed in comparison to the hype. Not in the car itself. It is a great car!

As you can tell from the responses, there's a bit of a hive mind here with respect to S650 opinions.

Your criticisms are perfectly valid (even if I don't agree with them). It's possible to both still like the car overall and also dislike (or be underwhelmed by) certain aspects of it.

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[Jivor]

It seems the name "space grey" is a bit of misnomer, since it appears by all pictures and descriptions to be "space white-ish". I wonder how it will resist dirt/staining over time.

 

[f00man]

All these S650 apologist comments.

The S650 is pretty much a downgrade compared to the S550. No wait….I think the headlights are brighter, and the Unreal Engine graphics are nice.

Ford doesn’t really have to try hard anymore. There’s no competition from GM and Dodge.

 

[Jivor]

Well, I never had the pleasure of owning an S550 and all the baggage that entails; my choice for the 2024 is purely esthetic, since I drive pretty sedately, but maybe that's because I own a 4 cyl. sedan at the moment. The OP has a sweet ride and I hope they enjoy it.

I don't think it's that Ford is not trying hard, it would seem they put a fair amount of work into the 7G, and clearly overlooked some serious flaws (steering seems to be the big one). I wouldn't disagree that they are essentially the last horse in the race (sorry couldn't help it), but that didn't seem to entice them to address the steering on the 6G until the performance variants showed up; it would appear any effort there that did not change here in the S650, so no more or less an effort on their part. I suppose that's probably the point; for those less than enthused about the GT/DH, there are those waiting to see what Ford does for their variants and scoop up the demand they will have once the Camaro goes the way of the Dodo (I don't believe the Challenger was ever a contender in the handling department on it's modified E-class Mercedes platform).

 

[wilkinda65]

Well then you read it wrong. Also I was just making factual statements based on experience so people know what to expect. If I said atlas blue is darker than velocity blue it is. If I said space gray is closer to white than gray it is. If I said it feels underpowered and is not very loud it is because it is. If I said the interior is the same as the S550 other than the dash...guess what it is. I'm done here. I thought I was helping by sharing but I guess not. Hope you all enjoy your cars if and when you get them!

My comments were specifically the comments you made about the COLOR of the exterior compared to the S550 and the COLOR of the interior. Both of those your reaction within your comments wasn't favorable. Anyone with eyes can see the interior is basically the same except for the dash and steering wheel. I personally would be happy if the performance was the same as the S550(s) I've owned. I don't drag race or anything like that. It's a pleasure car for me. I'm getting one for the updated exterior and interior. I've had (4) S550 models and I'm bored with them.

 

[DevilDog]

As you can tell from the responses, there's a bit of a hive mind here with respect to S650 opinions.

Your criticisms are perfectly valid (even if I don't agree with them). It's possible to both still like the car overall and also dislike (or be underwhelmed by) certain aspects of it.

I agree. We all have our likes and dislike when we compare certain cars. I liked my '16 C7 Z06 better than my '19 C7 Z06. Don't know why. They were pretty much identtical with the exception of a few interior upgrades. Funny how "protective" we become when it comes to our cars. Admittedly, there are times when I question whether I should have sold my '19. I've always considered myself a car guy, not just a Chevy, Ford or Mopar guy. I know that my new Mustang is going to be way different than my Z06's, but I'm really looking forward to getting it and enjoying it. I think all the hype of a "new or improved" model sometimes get in the way of our expectations. Enjoy it for what it is.

 

[LETHAL]

All these S650 apologist comments.

The S650 is pretty much a downgrade compared to the S550. No wait….I think the headlights are brighter, and the Unreal Engine graphics are nice.

Ford doesn’t really have to try hard anymore. There’s no competition from GM and Dodge.

I have been saying that! The demise of the Camaro and Dodge camp was not good news for Mustang.

While I wouldn't say the S650 is a downgrade, it could have been better in several facets.

* Over all package compromise/carry over. (less of it)
* Additional weight
* 480hp is alright, but there is no reason Ford couldn't get 520-550hp from a Gen 4. Esp to offset the added weight.

So again, without any fear of a challenge from the other camps, why would they bother with the above.

 

[Sawaiz23]

Does anyone know what the actual differences between the 400a and 401a equipment packages are. I just ordered a 2024 GT premium and am now considering switching from 400a to 401a after reading some forums. I am hearing a lot of mixed things about the differences.

 

[Interstellar]

Does anyone know what the actual differences between the 400a and 401a equipment packages are. I just ordered a 2024 GT premium and am now considering switching from 400a to 401a after reading some forums. I am hearing a lot of mixed things about the differences.

Please search the forum using the search bar or Google or the order guide. This has been discussed in depth.
TLR, many believe the 401A is worth it

 

[LETHAL]

Does anyone know what the actual differences between the 400a and 401a equipment packages are. I just ordered a 2024 GT premium and am now considering switching from 400a to 401a after reading some forums. I am hearing a lot of mixed things about the differences.

Best resource is the build page from Ford.

Was it worth $2900, yes, for me.

 

[Cyclone]

Picked up my GT Premium yesterday and thought I would offer some thoughts. Granted I am only about 35 miles in so these are just initial thoughts based upon limited use. Sadly, I like almost everything about my 2019 GT that I traded in better, starting with the color. My 2019 was Velocity Blue, which is not offered for 2024, while my new car is Atlas Blue. It was the closest color offered but is darker than expected. The space gray interior is not even remotely close to gray. It is essentially white, so I was very disappointed. The S650 also seems slower and much less powerful than my S550 despite the HP bump. Perhaps because it is heavier or has less torque??? The exhaust, even with the active valve exhaust opened all the way in track mode, is less than impressive. Again, my S650 sounded better. I have a resonator delete kit to install so hopefully that helps out some.

Anyone who thinks this is a completely redesigned generation is grossly mistaken and will be thoroughly disappointed. Make no mistake, it is simply an S550. Same chassis/suspension, same engine other than a new intake manifold and air intakes, and the seats and door panels are exactly the same. The only difference is the dash and control system. Do I have buyer remorse? NO! I like having the latest and greatest and I am eager to learn all of the functionality and capability of the computer control system and screens. But as far as a straight-up bad-ass sports car I think it is a step back for me from what I had.

ITs funny you say this because I traded in my 2008 Shelby GT500 with only 16K on it and the S650 feels to me more responsive and gets to top end quicker. My Shelby was rated 0-60 in 4.something sec, My new S650 0-60 in 3.9 sec. I let two of my friends drive it and punch the gas and it blew their minds. My one friend said it alot faster and more responsive than his 77- Transam. The other friend is a ford technician and he kept whaling on about how responsive this thing was and how fast it got up to 90-100. One of my friends said this is a car that will do what you tell it without hesitation. SO I dont know if you got a dud but mine is so responsve it bounces your head off the seats and its all stock without the Performance Exhaust. In track mode its 0-100 is awesome, try it sometime. but wait till after you get 1000 miles on it as Ford recommends. Happy Sailing.

 

[Cyclone]

Please search the forum using the search bar or Google or the order guide. This has been discussed in depth.
TLR, many believe the 401A is worth it

Mine has the 401a Package, here is the difference that I am aware of:
PS ( I also have all the featurers of the 400a package as well but only listed as 401a)
The 2025 Ford Mustang GT Premium 401A package includes all features of the 400A, plus additional premium features like memory seats, a B&O sound system, and enhanced interior materials.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:
GT Premium 400A (Base) includes:

• 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Engine with Stop/Start System
• 6-Speed Manual Transmission with Rev Matching (or 10-speed automatic option)
• 19-inch Shadow Silver-Painted Aluminum Wheels
• Approach Detection with Welcome/Farewell Exterior Lighting
• Ambient Lighting with MyColor
• Magnesium Framed Curved Glass Display Mirrors - Heated and Pony Puddle Lamp
• Nine (9) Speaker Sound System with Amplifier
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Heated and ventilated front seats

GT Premium 401A (Adds to 400A) includes:

• Memory Driver's Seat: Allows saving and recalling preferred seating positions.
  
  
• B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen: A premium 12-speaker sound system with subwoofer and HD Radio.
  
  
• Enhanced Interior Trim: Soft-touch materials, leather stitching, and potentially a leather-stitched center stack.
  
  
• Optional features: Front rain-sensing wipers, a wireless charging pad, and a 110V/150W AC power outlet.
  
  
• Mirror Features: Blinkers on side mirrors.
  
  
• Other: Complete ambient lighting with door scuff plates.

 

[Bikeman315]

ITs funny you say this because I traded in my 2008 Shelby GT500 with only 16K on it and the S650 feels to me more responsive and gets to top end quicker. My Shelby was rated 0-60 in 4.something sec, My new S650 0-60 in 3.9 sec. I let two of my friends drive it and punch the gas and it blew their minds. My one friend said it alot faster and more responsive than his 77- Transam. The other friend is a ford technician and he kept whaling on about how responsive this thing was and how fast it got up to 90-100. One of my friends said this is a car that will do what you tell it without hesitation. SO I dont know if you got a dud but mine is so responsve it bounces your head off the seats and its all stock without the Performance Exhaust. In track mode its 0-100 is awesome, try it sometime. but wait till after you get 1000 miles on it as Ford recommends. Happy Sailing.

Just FYI, this thread is almost two years old and the OP hasn’t been around since December 2023.

Edit: Ps, Congrats on the beautiful 60th and welcome to the forum!

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