2008 Ford Mustang Breast Cancer Edition

2008 Ford Mustang Breast Cancer Edition

The Pony car is a dying breed of vehicle, yet Ford cleverly manages to keep the Mustang popular by cranking out countless special-edition versions. Introduced last year, the Warriors in Pink Edition is back for 2008, and for every copy sold, Ford will donate $300 to the Breast Cancer Foundation.

That's nice, but I'm stuck driving a pink car this week.

Our test car is silver, and includes subtle pink lower-body stripes and pink ribbon badges on the front fenders.

Tasteful Warriors package
The special edition car is available in three colors, black, silver and white. Our test car is silver, and includes subtle pink lower-body stripes and pink ribbon badges on the front fenders.

Inside, the leather seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel get pink stitching, while the floor mats are embroidered with pink ribbons that won't stay pink very long. The package also includes 17-inch alloy wheels and the grille-mounted fog lights that usually come with the Pony Package.

Now, let's get one thing straight; for me, this Mustang is just pink enough that I don't get pointed the finger at. But, inevitably, people in other cars take a first glance at the pink stripes, and take a second glance at me. When the top is up, I drop the window and shout "It's my girlfriend's car!" When the top is down, I prefer yelling "You're just jealous!"

Still, instead of just one lower-body stripe, I think Ford should go all the way; paint it pink, or put some pink racing stripes across the hood. I'm sure the ladies would dig a more-aggressive appearance, but I could be wrong.

Nope, it's not a V8
As if the pink ribbons aren't enough, the emasculation process couldn't be complete without the absence of the rip-snorting V8 engine.But I must say, this powertrain does a wonderful job of maintaining most of the V8 Mustang's character.

The V6 produces 210 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to propel Pinky to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, which isn't all that bad. The engine does its best to sound like the GT's 4.6-liter V8, and it actually does a respectable job at it.

The Warriors in Pink Mustang is only available with the SOHC, 4.0-liter V6 and the 5-speed automatic transmission.

The 4.0-liter engine also tries to mimic the Mustang GT's fuel consumption. I'm averaging 13.8 L/100 km, but I could do better if I tried harder.

Better ride than the GT
You can't expect less than a stiff suspension setup in the Mustang GT, but the V6 model is actually quite pleasant. The car handles well and is very predictable, but the shock setting is toned down compared to the V8-powered model.

The interior of the Mustang is functional and straightforward.

The result is a car that's much more comfortable on the road. And the noise level is lower; on the highway, for instance, you can engage in a conversation without shouting, top up or down. The GT model we tested last year was a rattlebox, but the WIP Mustang is less so (notice I didn't say 'rattle-free'). For the daily grind, commuting to work and back, and for weekend road tripping, the base Mustang would be my choice.

Simplistic cockpit
The interior of the Mustang can't really be called luxurious. Yet it's functional and straightforward. Too bad the dashboard and door panel plastics seem to be provided from the Little Tikes company.

The Shaker 500 sound system with 6-CD changer, MP3 playback, SIRIUS satellite radio and 8 speakers is standard issue on V6 Mustangs, and sounds pretty good. The driver's seat has a power lumbar adjustment, but both front seatbacks don't return to their position when you recline them to let someone climb in back. You can't get seat heaters in a Warriors in Pink edition, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity isn't available in convertible models.

The top is easy to operate, despite having to twist two handles that locks the roof to the windshield. When you raise the top, though, don't forget to lift those rear-quarter windows with a separate switch. To access the trunk, use the rather ugly keyfob button or the key; there is no trunk release button inside the car. We learned that the hard way during the photo shoot, forgetting the keys in the trunk and closing it.

At least you can leave the Mustang top-down in a parking lot and no one can access the trunk to steal your belongings.

The top is easy to operate, despite having to twist two handles that locks the roof to the windshield.

Competition
The Mustang Convertible starts out at $28,899, and the car we're trying out here obviously includes the $2,295 Warriors in Pink package as well the $1,250 automatic transmission and $300 cloth fabric roof, for a grand total of $32,744.

Here's a look at what the competition offers, at a similar price and with a similar level of equipment:

Chrysler Sebring Touring with options, 189 hp, $35,895
Mazda MX-5 GS, 166 hp, $32,350
Mini Cooper Cabriolet with options, 115 hp, $33,590
Pontiac G6 GT Convertible, 217 hp, $35,995
Pontiac Solstice 1SB, 173 hp, $29,275
Saturn Sky, 173 hp, $33,125
Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible 2.5 with options, 150 hp, $31,820

As you can see, there isn't really anything on the market that rivals directly with the Mustang. That is, until the Camaro convertible appears, which is scheduled at least a year from now. And none of these rivals can be had with pink paint or pink stripes, although I did see a pink Mini Cooper in a Vancouver dealership last month.

With the Mustang Warriors in Pink Edition, you get an exclusive car that has a high level of charm and charisma.

Conclusion
I have to admit, I'd take a V6 Mustang over a GT for a few reasons; lower fuel consumption, lower insurance rates, and a more-comfortable ride.

As for the Warriors in Pink package, I can't help thinking that the customer contributes quite a bit to the $300 donation Ford makes for every copy sold. I'd prefer choosing the Pony package, which currently sells for just $800 over the price of a base convertible, and make a donation to the Breast Cancer Foundation myself. And my car wouldn't be pink.

Still, with the Mustang Warriors in Pink Edition, you get an exclusive car that has a high level of charm and charisma, and that might even become a collectible model 30 years from now.

2008 Ford Mustang Breast Cancer Edition

Source: http://www.moto123.com/print_article.spy?artid=96866