There’s something refreshingly honest about a V8-powered sports coupe in 2026. While the automotive world rushes toward electrification and turbocharged efficiency, the Mustang GT holds onto what made American muscle cars special: naturally aspirated V8 thunder, rear-wheel drive drama, and a theatrical driving experience. In an era of hybrid hypercars and four-cylinder “performance” engines, the Mustang GT feels like a challenger to sensibility, and that’s precisely the point.
Introduction
For over half a century, the Mustang has represented accessible performance for those who value character over prestige badges, and the 2023 GT continues that tradition. This isn’t a car engineered to lap the Nürburgring in record time or impress valets at five-star hotels. It’s built for people who believe exhaust notes matter, that naturally aspirated power is better than turbocharged punch, and that driving should sometimes be about enjoyment, not just efficiency. If you want a sports car that prioritises visceral thrills over spec sheet bragging rights, you’re in the right place.
Exterior
The Mustang GT wears its American heritage proudly. That long bonnet, aggressive front end with the iconic galloping pony, and muscular rear haunches create a silhouette that’s remained fundamentally unchanged for decades: because why fix what isn’t broken? The tri-bar LED taillights are unmistakably Mustang, visible from half a mile away, while the available performance pack adds functional aerodynamic elements that actually improve track capability rather than just looking aggressive. It’s brash, unapologetic, and designed to be noticed: very different from the restrained elegance favoured by European manufacturers.
Interior
Step inside and you’ll find an interior that’s improved dramatically from previous generations, though it still can’t match German build quality if we’re being honest. The 2023 refresh brings better materials, a sensible layout centred around a 12-inch touchscreen running Ford’s SYNC 4 system, and genuinely supportive Recaro seats in Performance Pack models. Digital instruments provide all the information you need, including that all-important oil temperature gauge for track work. The cabin feels driver-focused, with the gear selector falling naturally to hand and a steering wheel that’s well sized and weighted. Rear seats exist mainly to tick an insurance box; they’re usable for small children or bags, nothing more. The boot is practical for a sports coupe, easily swallowing a week’s luggage. It’s purposeful, better than it used to be, and free of the luxury touches that don’t belong in a proper muscle car.
Performance
This is where the Mustang GT stops making excuses and just delivers. The 5.0-litre Coyote V8 produces around 450 horsepower and screams to 7,000 rpm with an exhaust note that sets off car alarms three streets away. Zero to 100 km/h arrives in about 4.3 seconds, but those numbers don’t capture the experience: the way the engine builds power, the mechanical growl that intensifies as revs climb, the satisfying weight of the clutch pedal in manual models. The 10-speed automatic is good for those who prefer it, but the six-speed manual is the enthusiast’s choice, offering real engagement in an era of paddle shifters.
Rear-wheel drive means the Mustang GT requires more respect than all-wheel drive competitors, particularly when you disable the traction control and discover just how easy it is to turn expensive tires into smoke. The independent rear suspension transforms the driving experience compared to older Mustangs, providing genuine cornering ability while maintaining that playful, adjustable chassis character. Active exhaust lets you toggle between neighborhood-friendly quiet mode and full theatrical V8 symphony. It’s not the fastest car you can buy for the money, but it might be the most fun.
Finding a well-maintained used Mustang GT in Dubai means looking for examples with documented service history and ideally, adult ownership. At Carabia, we connect enthusiasts with quality owner-listed performance cars throughout Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE, putting you directly in touch with sellers who know their cars. Whether you’re hunting for used Mustangs in Dubai, exploring V8 sports cars in Abu Dhabi, or want an honest muscle car that delivers genuine driving thrills without six-figure price tags, our platform makes finding the right car straightforward. For more vehicles like this, visit the Ford page. Or browse our curated selection of owner-listed performance cars for sale in Dubai and the UAE to find your next V8-powered weekend companion at a fair price.
