What's In DFB's Cabinet?

[50ALM]

Cryptic?
Not for those waiting.

Sponsored

 

[DFB5.0]

Cryptic?
Not for those waiting.

Pretty normal for shipping these days, its not just DS but the main importer as well. But yeah, I was hoping to order today as well.

 

[50ALM]

Help!

I detailed the S650 yesterday for the first time, finishing up with applying Bead Maker.
Briefly, the products used on the panels were: Iron Remover > Lift > Reset > Bead Maker.

Afterwards it occurred to me, I should have been more selective with the Bead Maker at the time, as I want to apply some vinyl graphics to the car, specifically hood spears and rocker panel decals.

Any slick coating is not going to help the vinyl adhesion.

What is the best product & method to "remove" the Bead Maker coating from the desired areas?

Would selectively going over the areas with Lift (at dilution?) do the trick?
ie; dip MF towel into Lift solution and rub in... rinse/wipe with another towel, and finally buff dry with a 3rd towel?

My use of BM on the RAV4 daily for the last 6 months or so tells me the durability of BM is very good, being months. I can't wait that long!

 

[DFB5.0]

It's been a very slow start to spring this year. By now, I would normally be well into a fortnightly routine keeping grass under control. But the grass just isn't growing, a few warm days is then followed by a few cold days. Up, down, up, down.............................I mention this because I had five lawns (same payer) booked for today but were delayed until next week. So, I had got an unexpected day off. (And yes, I'm still doing my private work, its hard to step away when its your own business at this time of the year.)

So, I went and got a fresh haircut, got to look good for my lady in red tomorrow, then a casual drive of the Blue Rocket. I then got home in time for a buyer to come and pick up the Bushranger. That means I'm back down to only 11 mowers. It went to someone about my age with a large lawn to maintain, apart from a lowball opening offer, the guy was a gentleman and paid what I was asking, he therefore got an extra air filter, the mulch plug, the owner manuals.......................and a dam clean high end lawn mower!

Next on the chopping block, the Husqvarna 525BX blower. I originally bought this unit after a string of Stihl BG55 and BG86's dating back to the early 2000's. Initially, I liked it, but it became very temperamental on really hot days and overall, I preferred the Stihl. In the end, I went and bought another BG86. I've been using the Husqvarna around home, but it's unnecessarily taking up space.

I was also going to sell off a Stihl FS45 trimmer that had been sitting down back for many years. I cleaned it down, added some fuel to the tank and managed to get it started with some starting fluid down the carby. It then bogged out and refused to start again, no matter what I tired. I was all set to go and order a new carb or carb rebuild kit, then I noticed the shaft was bowed, something must have landed on it at some point. I then decided it was not worth me selling, even if I got the engine running, it would have vibrated itself to death. While it hurt to do so, it ended up going to the tip.

Next up today, the Wildtrak was well overdue for a detail. Mixing things up today, I decided to do the interior first. For the leather, I thought I would have another crack at the newish Carpro Cleanse and Lotion duo.

I still don't love these products, the ColourLock cleaners are far superior, as is ColourLock Leather Protector. I think I prefer the foaming action of the ColourLock cleaners, and Lotion goes on too oily, even if it dries smooth. I also don't like the scents. But, if you never try, you will never know.

Actually, I could not locate the links to the Cleanse and Lotion kit, only the 500ml bottle of Cleanse. Neither Cleanse nor Lotion are represented under the specific leather care section, the kit missing in action. So, maybe Waxit don't like them either? For US readers, these are the links, not that I recommend them...................................

CARPRO SkinCare Leather Kit
CARPRO Cleanse Leather Cleaner 500ml (17oz) *New* - Skys The Limit Car Care
CARPRO SkinCare Leather Kit

After finishing the interior, it was then onto the exterior. Tires were hit with Wise Guy, the wheels with foamed Brake Buster. I then used up the remainder of my supply of Bilt Hamber Touch-less, then onto the final contender of my auto-store soaps.....................

Like NXT from last week, I used Gold Class for quite a while. At the time, I wasn't always foaming, but when I did, measuring out the gloopy Gold Class was difficult. Also like NXT, that is not really an issue now with wide-mouth foam cannon bottles. Foam quality from Gold Class is medium to thick and with good holding power........................

The best thing about Gold Class is how sudsy it is, and those suds hang around right up until you start rinsing. I really like how it stays active and doesn't run off the panel after cleaning a section, in turn helping prevent it drying too quickly as you work around the vehicle. (Yes, I wash in the sun, but I pick my mark and work quickly). The flipside to that is it requires longer to rinse clear, a contrast to NXT which is extremely free rinsing.

One other point on Gold Class, many have noted it can leave a residue behind and cause a streaky/hazy appearance. From what I can tell, this is from the conditioning agents and gloss enhancers not playing well with certain ceramic coatings. That was not an issue on the Wildtrak, which is in need of a fresh coating in the near future.

Finishing off the car, I used Meguiar's HCD as the drying aid, Invisible Glass for the windows, tyres dressed with Duragloss 253.

While I was detailing the Wildtrak, I got a call from my salesman confirming the details for tomorrow. He then went on to say that I had already seen the car just after it got off the truck.................at which point I was getting very nervous about what would come next and perhaps something was wrong.................only to be asked if I still wanted the reveal cover and bow.

Apparently, he once had customer call him every name under the sun for covering up the guy's new car, and that he now asks every customer the same question. Geez, some people are hard to please. It's a bloody satin sheet, it's not going to ruin anything, and I can almost guarantee that car has had far worse things done to the paint since the guy took delivery! So, yeah, my car will have a satin sheet and big bow on it to mark the occasion, why bloody not after spending the better part of $100k on a car!

 

[DFB5.0]

Help!

I detailed the S650 yesterday for the first time, finishing up with applying Bead Maker.
Briefly, the products used on the panels were: Iron Remover > Lift > Reset > Bead Maker.

Afterwards it occurred to me, I should have been more selective with the Bead Maker at the time, as I want to apply some vinyl graphics to the car, specifically hood spears and rocker panel decals.

Any slick coating is not going to help the vinyl adhesion.

What is the best product & method to "remove" the Bead Maker coating from the desired areas?

Would selectively going over the areas with Lift (at dilution?) do the trick?
ie; dip MF towel into Lift solution and rub in... rinse/wipe with another towel, and finally buff dry with a 3rd towel?

My use of BM on the RAV4 daily for the last 6 months or so tells me the durability of BM is very good, being months. I can't wait that long!

Bead Maker is a polymer sealant with a VERY small amount of Si02 in it, meaning its not as resistant to stronger cleaning chemicals as you may expect. That is both its blessing and curse.

I would just spot treat those section by washing with Lift, then using a prep spray to wipe those areas down a couple of times. You will find the installer will use a prep solution prior to install anyway.

If you are doing this yourself, use a product like Carpro Eraser, Gyeon Prep or Rupes Reveal Lite, be generous with the application and allow to soak for 20 to 30 seconds before wiping off. Repeat a couple of times if you are unsure. Then, do a final wipe using diluted IPA or Rupes Reveal Stong, just be careful with those as they can soften clear coat if overused, just spray into the towel and wipe.

(Rupes Reveal can be had at Sydney Tools or ordered with the usual suspects.)

First wipes -
Rupes 9.REVEALM750 750ml Reveal Lite Residue Remover
Gyeon Q²M Prep Coating Surface Cleaner 500ml - 116037 - Car Washes | Repco Australia
Get CarPro Eraser Prep Spray | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

Final Wipes -
Rupes 9.REVEALH750 750ml Reveal Strong Residue Remover
DIGGERS 500ml Isopropyl Alcohol - Bunnings Australia

That's probably over thinking it, you will find Lift will dent it pretty hard, then a couple of hits with Prep or Eraser would have you sorted.

 

[50ALM]

Bead Maker is a polymer sealant with a VERY small amount of Si02 in it, meaning its not as resistant to stronger cleaning chemicals as you may expect. That is both its blessing and curse.

I would just spot treat those section by washing with Lift, then using a prep spray to wipe those areas down a couple of times. You will find the installer will use a prep solution prior to install anyway.

Thanks D.
Lift undiluted?

If you are doing this yourself, use a product like Carpro Eraser, Gyeon Prep or Rupes Reveal Lite, be generous with the application and allow to soak for 20 to 30 seconds before wiping off. Repeat a couple of times if you are unsure. Then, do a final wipe using diluted IPA or Rupes Reveal Stong, just be careful with those as they can soften clear coat if overused, just spray into the towel and wipe.

(Rupes Reveal can be had at Sydney Tools or ordered with the usual suspects.)

First wipes -
Rupes 9.REVEALM750 750ml Reveal Lite Residue Remover
Gyeon Q²M Prep Coating Surface Cleaner 500ml - 116037 - Car Washes | Repco Australia
Get CarPro Eraser Prep Spray | Waxit – Waxit Car Care

Final Wipes -
Rupes 9.REVEALH750 750ml Reveal Strong Residue Remover
DIGGERS 500ml Isopropyl Alcohol - Bunnings Australia

That's probably over thinking it, you will find Lift will dent it pretty hard, then a couple of hits with Prep or Eraser would have you sorted.

Graphics installer will be mwah.

After the Lift, these first wipe products seem to be primarily wax removers and degreasers.

I already have this on hand, used a prep wipe for the bare galvanised steel shade sail posts before the primer coat was applied.

Would this do?

Plenty of COVID era IPA left over (I actually use this for electronics work, removing flux residue after soldering on PCBs), and rubbing alcohol on hand for final wipe.

 

[DFB5.0]

Thanks D.
Lift undiluted?


Graphics installer will be mwah.

After the Lift, these first wipe products seem to be primarily wax removers and degreasers.

I already have this on hand, used a prep wipe for the bare galvanised steel shade sail posts before the primer coat was applied.

Would this do?

Plenty of COVID era IPA left over (I actually use this for electronics work, removing flux residue after soldering on PCBs), and rubbing alcohol on hand for final wipe.

For Lift, just use it as directed or a little stronger.

I couldn't give comment on the Wax and Grease remover as I have no experience with it, I'm sure it will do the job but I don't want to be the guy responsible for something bad happening. If you already have IPA or rubbing alcohol, then cut it 50/50 with water and go from there.

 

[skinnyb]

Should work well on your wheels I would think. I used a regular coating on my summer wheels and it’s held up well. They still bead very nicely. I was kind of surprised. Was going to go back to a dedicated wheel coating when I pull them off in November, but I don’t think I’ll need to.

Oh, I have a bottle of Gyeon Q2 Rim I will use over the winter on my wheels.. I will find something to use the NV Nova on, might pull a "D" and detail my mower before I put away for the season that would be a first for me LOL... Although I do typically clean a bit, a ceramic coating will be over the top icing on the cake Or I might do what I originally intended and clean and prep my daily driver and apply on it... I should have enough out of the 30 ML bottle.

 

[DFB5.0]

Project S650 – 771 days in the making!

This all started in early September 2022 with Ford unveiling the new 7th Generation Mustang. At the time, I had been a Mustang owner since March 2017, in that time nothing else on the market really interested enough to buy something in the meantime. The updated 2018+ models certainly appealed, but not enough to trade up. So, with the reveal of the new model, I knew this would be a worthy update to a car that had stolen my heart.

After a week or so thinking it over, on the 21st of September 2022, I made a trip down to my local Ford dealer, the same that sold me my S550 and the last car I bought. At the time, the Ford showroom was being remodeled and so I made my way over to the adjacent VW building and asked for my usual salesman. Turns out he had left at the start of Covid, I told you it had been a long time! I was then directed to the temporary site-hut that was a makeshift Ford showroom, then handed over to a junior salesman..............what a baptism of fire for him!

Sitting in the makeshift showroom that morning, there was a lot of unknow playing out. For starters, at that stage no one knew anything about the S650 other than it was coming to Australia at some point. There was no confirmation of models, pricing, or when it would arrive. Dealers couldn’t even place an official order because there weren’t even any product codes to register against. So both the salesman and myself were in the dark. I didn’t learn this until last week, but my new salesman had only just started with the dealer, and this Mustang order was one of his first deals. After conferring with the sales manager, an old-school contract was doctored up to get myself in the system, which naturally was subject to change. Looking back, they used the S550 Mustang GT as an order template. I then paid a $1000 deposit, shook hands and left the dealership at the top of the dealers S650 order list.

And so began the wait. This was not my first rodeo, early on, S550 Mustang customers were waiting up to and beyond 12-months to get their car. In fact, I waited just that for mine, placing the order in March 2016 and taking delivery 12-months and 7 days later in 2017. So, you could say that I was well versed in waiting for Mustang’s. Being that I had effectively pre-ordered a yet to be confirmed new model, I was fully expecting to wait beyond 12-months. At the time, this didn’t bother me as I wasn’t yet ready to part with my S550, the extended wait would give me time to enjoy the car a while longer and plan for some extended holiday leave to coincide with the new cars arrival. The car or the holiday, it's hard to know which I wanted more.

The following two years were an exercise in frustration. (Keep in mind the following is two years' worth condensed in a paragraph, so my exact recollection might be hazy now) In early 2023, Ford asked dealers for a model mix to gauge/plan projected production. Customers were asked for preference of body, colour, engine and transmission. Model specs, options and prices were expected to be announced in the following month. And so began the agonizing torture Ford Australia inflicted on their most loyal of customers. In mid 2023, Ford released specs and options, with pricing expected to follow shortly after. What annoys me most during this time was how customers were not given a chance to properly order their cars, in fact NSC numbers and build slots were allocated BEFORE pricing was announced. My argument was that I had an order number and production slot for a car I had no idea what would cost me, or if my chosen spec had been accepted. And this was NOT a dealer thing, this was from Ford themselves, delivering ladder-frame pickup trucks was (and still is) their top priority.

Production of RHD export S650 Mustang’s were supposed commence in late 2023, with the first deliveries expected before Christmas. In October 2023, Ford FINALLY announced prices to stunned silence. As I had expected, Ford went in for the kill and jacked prices up to the teetering point where it was not too high to lose a customer, but high enough to cash in on the popularity of the Mustang. I get it, Ford is in business to make money, but the delays with pricing and then the massive price hike was pretty rude. In any case, I met with the salesman for the second time ever and finally had a number to work with.

Also announced that day, Ford again told customers that production of RHD Mustang’s was delayed until Q1 2024. Which then became Q2, which then became mid 2024. Somewhere in all of that, I was issued a new NSC, a VIN number and finally a production slot. And while this was happening, I was getting more and more agitated over taking long service leave. If the car had arrived as expected in late 2023, things perhaps wouldn’t have gotten so antsy. But after each delay, my patience got thinner and thinner, both with Ford and with work.

To be clear, this was not the dealer or salesman’s fault, they wanted to the car as much as I did. I did my best to not be pestering him on a weekly basis, which was very hard but I didn't want to be that customer. Ford have a long history of botched product launches in Australia, this S650 Mustang was no different. I debated writing about all of that in this post because of negative tone it brings, this post should be about positivity. However, it’s an integral part of the story and how it led me to this moment.

And so, lets get to the good stuff............................

In January 2024, I was issued a production slot, a Vin number and an expected ETA in early October. We had some meaningful progress at last! The car went into production on the 24th of April 2024, coming off the line on the 26th of April 2024. Nothing could take me down that, seeing "Off Line" on the Vista screenshot, it certainly made things real! The car hit “gate release” on the 28th of April, then compound entry on July 3rd. On the 26th of September, the car was loaded on Vessel Titania………………..a name that had a lot of people laughing at. As long as it didn’t live up to its unfortunate name, I didn’t care what boat it was on! From here, I tracked the vessel as it made its way down the east coast of American, through the Panama cannel, then on towards New Zealand and Australia. Once in Australian waters, the vessel travelled to Brisbane, Sydney and finally Melbourne where my car was unloaded on the 29th of September 2024.

The best moment of all arrived last week after standing in a que at the bank, always an exercise in frustration. On my way out, I took a glance at my phone and spotted something that took my breath away! Beaming back at me was single image with no words attached, I don’t think any were warranted. The pic in question was taken seconds after the car arrived off the truck. The funny thing is, I had planned on going to the dealer that morning to touch base, had I gone there first instead of the bank, I would have witnessed the car being driven off the truck. Finally, after 2 years and 25 days, my new Mustang was here! I think I will remember that day for a long, long time.

I then hightailed it to the dealer, walked through the glass doors and spotted my red beauty in the delivery bay. As the salesman approached me, I’m not going to lie, I was speechless and on the brink of tears. I know, it's just a car, but after such a long, long wait and all the crap that’s gone on in the background, it all of a sudden hit me that this was happening.

After a good look over the car, and even a cheeky start up and rev in Track mode, a delivery day was organized, an extra seven days in the grand scheme of things was nothing. Props to the salesman (again) for collecting all of the production line paperwork and window sticker before they went in the bin.

With two years in the lead up to delivery, I’ve had plenty of time to figure out number plates, detailing, wheels, exhaust, and various other little changes I wanted to make. The first of which was a set of black slimline plates with the Ford upgrade and a set of number plate mounting brackets. More on those at later date.



Over the following 7-days, I had been surprisingly calm. And its at this point I'm glad I took leave early, having some time to unwind has been working wonders. Having time to nail down insurance, funds transfer, all little things that would normally be stressing me out. Not this time. Actually, there was a brief blip at the bank when I was told they don't cut cheques anymore...................just shows how long it's been since I bought a car.

And so, we arrive at delivery day...........................

 

[DFB5.0]

Delivery Day!

My nerves were fine until last night, I started to get that heart flutter of anticipation and butterflies in my stomach. There is no reason for such a reaction, just something I have always had when I’m either dreading or anticipating something. I also didn’t get off to sleep as I would have liked, so my body wasn’t happy getting out of bed this morning. I had jokingly told the salesman that I would be camping in front of the showroom overnight, instead a rolled up 10-minutes late.

Jumping in my S550 for the last time, well it wasn’t as emotional as I had expected. I think I had reached contentment with the car a while ago, especially after writing down and publishing a lengthy love note, I sort of got it out of my system. Still, giving the throttle one last rev-match blip was sad. Driving a manual is an art form, coordinating hands and feet to achieve that perfect shift, well it played a huge part in how much fun I had in that car. Driving around the back of the dealership toward the delivery bay, I had an audience. The sales manager, detailer and my salesman greeted me as I stepped out of the S550………………they seemed as nervous as I was, which I’ll get to in a moment.

Stepping into the showroom, I was glad to get stuck into the formalities before the main event. The usual paperwork followed, the hardest of which was signing over the S550, suddenly it was no longer mine. But also suddenly, the S650 became mine. It was then time for the show. As you can see, my new Mustang had a stablemate to keep it company…………………………

I mentioned yesterday that I was asked about doing the “reveal”, and that a previous customer lost his temper over having his car covered up. To me, it might be a silly ritual, however buying a new car is not a regular occurrence for most of us, so why not? And so, off came the pretty blue bow, followed by the satin cover……………………..

That blue convertible is the dealer principles car, which eventually made way for a special moment. But not before the usual run-through of the car. I have to laugh, even though my early S550 had Sync 3, it was also refreshingly simple. This new car, it’s so complicated, exaggerated by everything being on the touchscreen. Still, I faked an interest in radar guided cruise control, the Ford Pass App and the myriad of active safety stuff. I don’t think anyone buys a Mustang for any of that crap, but if they didn’t include it, they would be crucified. I think the coolest part of all this tech is the ability to change the dial cluster screen appearance, which the salesman selecting the 1967 theme for handover. I think there may have been a little suppressed laughter when Kylie Minogue popped up on the screen after pairing my phone, even though I closed all of my apps to avoid such embarrassment.

It was then time for a special moment that I had organized a couple of months ago……………………………

The S550 was last parked in that delivery bay back in March 2017, and its return today signaled the beginning of something new. By this stage, I had the sales manager, used car manager and my salesman gathered for this rare photo opportunity. Heavily biased of course, but the two made a good pair! But at the same time, it became extremely obvious how dated the S550 looks next to the S650. To be clear, I still think the S550 is the better design, they absolutely nailed the design of that car, the pumped-up hood and those heavily contoured body sides are perfection. The funny thing is, the rear end of the S650 had never really grabbed me, but it’s the area of the car that looks the most differentiated from its predecessor. And finally! Finally, we Aussies get the red taillights and not the tacky clear/white things of the S550.

At this point, I want to highlight the how amazing my salesman was during this journey. Often, we go about our jobs without knowing the impact it makes on the people around us. By simply doing his job, he made a dream come true! We also often go about our jobs without positive feedback, be that from the customer or those above us. I appreciated his patience and assistance as we both rode out this two-year journey. Next month, he too is going on extended leave, to get married no less. There was some worry that he wouldn’t get to follow through with the handover, which would have been a shame as he had done all the work. But in the end, it all fell into place. In the past two years, he has gone from a junior salesman to be an award-winning salesman. With how he treated me, he deserves every accolade and acknowledgement he gets. In summery, when someone does good, tell them! It makes a huge difference.

More than two years in the making, a lot of blood, sweat and tears to arrive at this moment. I dragged myself to the top of the mountain, the feeling of euphoria almost unbelievable. For those that read, commented and sent private messages, you too have helped me reach the summit. There might have been some drama along the way, I was close to quitting many times, but your words along the way made me hold on to the dream.

And so, just like that, I’m now an S650 Mustang owner.

 

[DFB5.0]

The Spec!

Up until this point, I just realized that I haven't outlined my chosen spec for this car. Model wise, I briefly entertained the idea of aiming for the top and ordering a Darkhorse. Thing is, I had a strong hunch that Ford were going to ask in excess of $100,000 for them, which many said I was bonkers to think that. History will prove that my hunch proved correct. In any case, I had already decided on a GT Fastback before Ford announced pricing. An EcoBoost didn't interest me, nor did a convertible.

Next, colour. Believe it or not, I actually considered two colours. The delightful Atlas Blue would have made for a different look, but........................Race Red was calling my name again. For me, fire engine red and Mustang's go hand in hand.

To mix things up, I also decided on the Black Pack, called the Nite Pony Pack in America. This brought satin black wheels, black painted roof and side mirrors and black badging. But the best part of the Black Pack is the headlights, the lack of chrome makes the front end look sinister! Even my salesman commented that the Black Pack was the smart choice. Sadly, shortly after my car was built, Ford discontinued the Black Pack due to parts shortages. Very happy that I managed to get it though!

From here, I also knew I wanted Magneride. This is quite an expensive option, one that I didn't question selecting for the improvement in ride and handling it would bring. Had it been available when ordering my S550, I would have ordered it then too. The massive side benefit to Magneride is the red painted Brembo calipers. If you have bought a car with big brakes, I kinda want to see them, not blend into the background like they did on my S550.

I love how Ford are now putting Brembo calipers on the back, makes the car look so much better. The little Pony logo is a nice touch too.

Transmission? If Ford offered the Tremec on the GT, there might have been a choice to make. Other than being very noisy, I never had an issue from the MT82, the shifter feel and weight was perfect. But, I wanted to try something different, and so the 10R80 10-speed auto became the default.

The only other option that I pondered was the Recaro seats. I test drove a S550 with Recaro's a few years ago and thought they were great. But, I had a lot of people telling me that they get old really quick, the firmness and high bolsters becoming an issue. After placing my initial order request, I had later asked for them to be added on my order. For some reason, my ordered didn't get amended. That wasn't a bad thing because by the time I noticed it, I had already changed my mind again. When prices were announced, I was already looking at a considerably more than I had expected to pay, so no Recaro's worked out for the better.

There are three other options I would have dearly liked to order if Ford were more adventurous. First, a choice of wheels! I hate those bird-nest things, especially in black. I would have loved the machined Y-Spokes offered in the US, which are compatible with the Performance Pack.

I know I harp on this, but the Carmine Red interior would have brightened up an otherwise dark environment.





And I would have liked a rear spoiler, the pinched rear of the S650 sort of needs one. For some reason only known to Ford Australia, you can't order a spoiler separately, nor can you have it when selecting the Black Pack, its only available on the Appearance Pack which also includes stripes. However, having seen an S650 in person now, the rear is much better than I had been expecting.



At the end of the day, I'm happy with my spec.

Side story I forgot to mention earlier - I remarked to my salesman that I knew which car he was going home in tonight. Apparently, there was a contest who would be driving my old Mustang home, seniority ruled supreme, and the sales manager won the argument. I should have piped up and insisted my salesman take it first, it was his sale. In any case, I told him to give it hell.

 

[DFB5.0]

The First Drive!

Not for the first time, I drove a Race Red Mustang out of that delivery bay. Compared to the first time, this drive was somewhat familiar. I remember being absolutely terrified driving out of the dealership and onto a busy highway. The ultra-low driving position and that loooooong hood made it hard to know where the car was. It took me ages to adjust to that, and the clutch arrangement too.

In comparison, the S650 this morning was a doddle, helped by not having to manage an unfamiliar clutch. The driving position seemed completely normal, and the lower hood line makes visibility a little better. My initial throttle inputs were a little jerky, but soon became normal.

Actually, the first thing you notice is the steering. I wasn't expecting much to be honest, most of the press reviews heavily criticize the steering, in particular a lack of steering feel. Despite being early days, I can safely say that the steering is a marked improvement over the predecessor, it feeling more direct and doesn't have that unconnected feel of the S550. I wouldn't say it has bags of feel, but then most modern cars are the same. The new steering wheel with a smaller diameter plays a part here too.

The second thing I noticed was the ride quality. The early S550's had a very strange setup that was brittle at low speeds with too much rebound, but then went all soft and floaty at higher speeds. With Magneride in Normal, the S650 seems to round off those lower speed bumps. At the moment, I haven't explored higher speed handling or the differences between the modes.

The highlight of any V8-powered Mustang is naturally the engine and how it sounds. The car was handed over with only 24km on the clock, so there won't be any balls to the wall acceleration for a little while yet, but I can tell it's got more poke. Keep in mind, I'm coming from the early S550 with only 306 kW, so this new car is quite a power increase at 345 kw and 550 Nm. Naturally, it sounds epic too, especially with the Track setting engaged which brings some unexpected pops and bangs on deceleration. Nice! I can't wait to open up those dual throttle bodies!

Comparing to my old Mustang which had an aftermarket Borla Touring cat-back, I find that had more noise in more places. In other words, the S650's noise is heavily rear muffler biased. At the moment I'm on the fence regarding an exhaust mod, I may or may not swap out the central resonator for an X- or H-Pipe.

The 10-speed is much better at low-speed running than I was expecting. I have driven two S550's with the 10R80 and found it got lost at low speeds, but absolutely hammered during heavy acceleration. The latest calibration seems considerably better. The paddle shifters are slow to react, but the rev-match downshifts are epic!

One of the things I loved about my S550 was the brakes. Ford stepped things up for S650 by adding 6-piston Brembo's to the rear axle. For me, the previous model was not wanting for brakes, so it will be interesting to see how this upgrade plays out when the red mist descends. At this stage, I'm just happy the front and rear calipers match now.

Interior wise, there is a LOT to take in. I have to say, the configurability is impressive but hugely distracting. I guess once I learn my way around everything, there will be less distraction. Overall, the interior is a few steps ahead in terms of material and build quality, even if there is a lot of common parts shared with the S550. The steering wheel in particular feels very premium.

And yes, the first song on the meaty B&O sound system was predictable..........................

 

[DFB5.0]

The First Mod!

Yeah, yeah, I know, this isn't really a modification, rather making the best of a necessity.

Number plates on Mustang's seems to be a complicated topic, no other car I have experienced has had so much thought put into the tin plates screwed to the front and rear bumpers. For the most part, a lot of that has to do with the Mustang being optimized for US-style plates. Ford actually supply each Mustang with a molded front number plate plinth, which totally ruins the look of the car. If you have a Mustang on order, INSIST this is not fitted!

There are a variety of number plate brackets on the market, starting with basic plastic and ranging up to something a little more precise. Because of the creased front bumper, finding a number plate mounting solution became focus. I can’t remember who put me onto these, but my search ended when I discovered Flow Brackets. These are designed to offer a huge amount of adjustment and are superbly manufactured from CNC-milled aluminum and black stainless-steel hardware.

https://flowbrackets.com.au/

The Flow brackets can be ordered to suit a variety of plate sizes and styles for each state in Australia. Each bracket comes with a box of hardware to cater for the various plate mounting points on the bumper. The slots then allow for height and side to side adjustment. I had only intended on putting the Flow bracket on the don't, but decided to do the rear as well.

When I rocked up this morning, with the sales manager, salesman and detailer together in front of the car, I sensed a little anxiety. Signing the paperwork, the salesman commented that they had done their best with the plates, which had me instantly on edge! I mean, the whole idea of these plates was to make fitment easier. On inspection, they looked absolutely fine, so it was left at that.

Annoyingly, they fitted those pointless dealer plate surrounds. I know its policy for those to be fitted, but come on, all they did was throw money in the bin fitting them to my car. In fact, I did it for them.....................

To fit the number plate protectors, the plate and bracket had to come off. On closer inspection, they fitted the brackets exactly how I would have done. I later contacted the salesman to say that I had sensed some anxiety when I arrived, and that I wouldn't have done anything different, they were perfect. He admitted that yeah, they were panicking, mainly because of the huge array of hardware supplied with each bracket, which I'll admit was confusing for me too.

Before refitting the plates, I polished out the Kingpin plate protectors, then put everything back on as it was.

At this point, I would show you the finished result, but then I don't show plates. Trust me, they are a very neat solution, the supplied rubber spacers also help the plate stand off the paintwork to avoid wearing through. I remember being roasted for spending so much to screw number plates to a car. But put it this way, what is an extra $300 on a car that cost the better part of $100,000. I can guarantee it would cost way more than $300 to fix damaged paint caused by the number plates.

 

[DFB5.0]

Ok, so I'm nearly done. I have to say, it's been a full-on day and I'm about to crash.

I have yet to scrutinize the paint, but a few areas have stood out needing attention, so I have some work ahead of me getting to the level I'm happy with. Put it this way, the car I left at the dealer today was fully dialed in, the new one I drove home has a fair way to go. That's not a criticism, just the reality of a car that has sat outdoors for four months unprotected or never properly detailed.

I'm also loving the novelty of the remote start function, via the key fob or the Ford Pass App. However, I can't get the remote-rev function to work. I suspect that is a km thing, as in it needs to have some more time on it before that function is unlocked. The same for the line-lock, which is a shame because I wanted to do a massive burnout on the way out of the dealership.

It's also turning some heads! Takes me back to the early days of my S550. I'm fairly sure I'm the first in this little town to have a S650. I was also drawing the attention of S550 Mach1 on the way home earlier.

The "Easter Eggs" are very cool. I keep discovering hidden nostalgic logos hidden all around the car, I especially love the outline each generation of Mustang etched into the rear windscreen.

I love the gauge cluster customization! At the moment, I'm running the SVT Cobra style setup, I like how easy it is to read.

So much happened today and I feel like I've had a lot to say. No doubt I've missed something, but hey, I have time on my hands. And so, thanks for reading.

 

[skinnyb]

Ok, so I'm nearly done. I have to say, it's been a full-on day and I'm about to crash.

I have yet to scrutinize the paint, but a few areas have stood out needing attention, so I have some work ahead of me getting to the level I'm happy with. Put it this way, the car I left at the dealer today was fully dialed in, the new one I drove home has a fair way to go. That's not a criticism, just the reality of a car that has sat outdoors for four months unprotected or never properly detailed.

I'm also loving the novelty of the remote start function, via the key fob or the Ford Pass App. However, I can't get the remote-rev function to work. I suspect that is a km thing, as in it needs to have some more time on it before that function is unlocked. The same for the line-lock, which is a shame because I wanted to do a massive burnout on the way out of the dealership.

It's also turning some heads! Takes me back to the early days of my S550. I'm fairly sure I'm the first in this little town to have a S650. I was also drawing the attention of S550 Mach1 on the way home earlier.

The "Easter Eggs" are very cool. I keep discovering hidden nostalgic logos hidden all around the car, I especially love the outline each generation of Mustang etched into the rear windscreen.

I love the gauge cluster customization! At the moment, I'm running the SVT Cobra style setup, I like how easy it is to read.

So much happened today and I feel like I've had a lot to say. No doubt I've missed something, but hey, I have time on my hands. And so, thanks for reading.

Congratulations I know the "New Car" feeling well, as I have bought more over the years than I can count. Although, I have never special ordered one, the anticipation of going and picking up a new ride is a very bittersweet thing. A lot of the time, it is hard to leave the old one behind but the anticipation of picking up a new one always overrides . Can't wait for a full report and for you to get her dialed in. I know my OCD always is on high when I get a new ride to get everything settled ASAP... My newest one was no exception, I didn't rest for quite a while til all was well, just finally got mine pretty much dialed in after 7 weeks...

Sponsored