Yahoo Autos Most Ford Mustang GT and Dark Horse Models Get Hit With Gas-Guzzler Tax
In its newest form, the Ford Mustang is an expensive car. Unfortunately it got more expensive even before deliveries began. First reported by Ford Authority, and seemingly confirmed by Ford's official configurator, manual-transmission Mustang GTs get hit with a $1000 Gas Guzzler tax, while both manual and automatic Dark Horse models get a $1300 tax. We've reached out to a Ford spokesperson to confirm this information is accurate, and we'll update when we hear back.
The tax means the Mustang GT coupe now costs $44,090 and the Dark Horse carries a $60,895 base price. While the automatic GT doesn't get hit by the tax—likely thanks to its extra four forward ratios–this transmission is an $1595 option anyhow. Per the Ford configurator, the net difference between manual and automatic Mustang GT is now just $595. Meanwhile, it appears that Dark Horse models regardless of transmission get hit.
The GT's V-8 is in a slightly lower state of tune with 486 hp to the Dark Horse's 500. While the EPA hasn't published fuel-economy figures for the new Mustang yet, we do know that a car with a combined rating between 21.5 and 22.5 mpg is assessed a $1000 tax, while that rises to $1300 for a car that gets between 20.5 and 21.5. So presumably, the GT is on one side of the 21.5-mpg mark, while the Dark Horse is on the other.
Motor Authority also reports that a handful of desirable options for the Mustang got a price bump in response to increased demand, per a Ford spokesperson. Notably for the Road & Track reader, the Dark Horse Handling Package is up $495 to $4995 and the carbon-fiber wheels are up $500 to $8995. The configurator on Ford's website reflects all these price changes, though the carbon-fiber wheels aren't yet listed as an option.
With both the Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger leaving production this year, it's unfortunate to see the only V-8 pony/muscle car left getting more expensive before anyone gets their hands on one. Cheap speed isn't what it used to be.
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