{"id":31220,"date":"2023-07-25T17:36:18","date_gmt":"2023-07-25T21:36:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=31220"},"modified":"2023-07-25T17:36:18","modified_gmt":"2023-07-25T21:36:18","slug":"payne-at-full-gallop-in-the-high-tech-high-performance-2024-mustang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2023\/07\/payne-at-full-gallop-in-the-high-tech-high-performance-2024-mustang","title":{"rendered":"Payne: At full gallop in the high-tech, high-performance 2024 Mustang"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Los Angeles<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 Angeles Crest Highway north of LA is hardly angelic. This is California\u2019s version of Michigan&#8217;s Hell.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Like the writhing byways of Hell north of Ann Arbor, Angeles Crest Highway \u2014 aka State Route 2 \u2014 is where Southern Cal motorheads escape to put their sports cars to the test. Diabolical switchbacks. Diving turns. A ribbon of road wrapped around sheer canyons. Push the limits and you\u2019ll quickly learn your steed\u2019s envelope. Once upon a time, this was harrowing territory in a Ford Mustang with its boat-anchor V-8 up front and inflexible, solid rear axle out back. No more.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>WAAAUUUUURRGGHH!<\/em>\u00a0I stomped on the accelerator of the new 2024 Mustang GT at the apex of a blind left-hand turn. Nicely balanced, the coupe tracked out to the edge of the road as I set up for yet another lefthander rushing into view. Hands never leaving the wheel, I toggled TRACK mode with my left thumb for more stiffening from the magnetic shocks. Computer-game quality graphics projected a horizontal, race-style tachometer so I could more precisely shift the steering paddles.\u00a0<em>WAAAUUUUURRGGHH!<\/em>\u00a0Back on the gas.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/b78c81ec-dea6-4708-8816-faf1897f0eae-FordMustang_GT-fr-3-4.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" width=\"586\" height=\"330\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_gl_i_nt\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_gl_vg\" data-c-tc=\"32\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_t\" data-c-et=\"Gallery: 2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost and GT\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I drive a lot of new cars every year and few generate lust. Ford\u2019s pony is an exception. The seventh-generation Mustang is a must-have.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Viscerally appealing, wildly capable, high-tech, and (relatively) affordable, the 2024 is a home run \u2014 the culmination of 60 years of customer marketing wrapped in state-of-the-art engineering. It didn\u2019t have to be. Ford could have just mailed it in.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-features_ford-2\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">In this era of off-road SUV-mania and stifling emissions regulations, the V8-powered muscle car segment is endangered. After the 2024 model year, only Mustang will be left standing, its primary Dodge Challenger\/Charger and Chevy Camaro competitors retired to pasture for terrorizing too many polar bears.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">But like the \u201cTop Gun: Maverick\u201d sequel, Mustang is a blockbuster with enough action to satisfy multiple demographics: young, old, female, male, motorhead, rent-a-car tourist.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/ccb4f2a8-3383-4c43-95ae-70698db29ff7-FordMustang_GT-side.jpg?width=980&amp;height=552&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Long hood, muscled haunches, fastback coupe. Must be the 2024 Ford Mustang GT.\" width=\"504\" height=\"284\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/ccb4f2a8-3383-4c43-95ae-70698db29ff7-FordMustang_GT-side.jpg?width=980&amp;height=552&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/ccb4f2a8-3383-4c43-95ae-70698db29ff7-FordMustang_GT-side.jpg?width=1960&amp;height=1104&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"Long hood, muscled haunches, fastback coupe. Must be the 2024 Ford Mustang GT.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"Long hood, muscled haunches, fastback coupe. Must be the 2024 Ford Mustang GT.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Start with the interior \u2014 yes, I\u2019m talking about the interior of a Mustang first. This used to be the last place \u2018Stang would invest its budget with its slab dash, uncomfortable seats, hard plastics, and good ol\u2019, retro, double instrument display. The heck with that.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Designer Chris Walter throws around the word \u201ctransformative,\u201d and for good reason. This interior is more BMW than old-school Mustang. A 25.6-inch, driver-centric, hoodless screen dominates the cabin and houses twin digital displays. Sure, there are budget constraints \u2014 the screen doesn\u2019t get the reflective coating of the $80,000 Bimmers I\u2019ve recently wheeled. But even BMW enthusiasts will drool over the Unreal Engine graphical interface \u2014 yes, the same 3D Unreal Engine software that runs Epic Games\u2019 titles like Rocket League and Fortnite \u2014 games my sons grew up with. The next-generation Mustang customer has been served.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/38704fe9-9380-431a-bf7d-d93728a72151-FordMustang_chris-walter.jpg?width=980&amp;height=552&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"2024 Ford Mustang exterior designer Chris Walter calls the car's interior &quot;transformative.&quot;\" width=\"525\" height=\"296\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/38704fe9-9380-431a-bf7d-d93728a72151-FordMustang_chris-walter.jpg?width=980&amp;height=552&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/38704fe9-9380-431a-bf7d-d93728a72151-FordMustang_chris-walter.jpg?width=1960&amp;height=1104&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"2024 Ford Mustang exterior designer Chris Walter calls the car's interior &quot;transformative.&quot;\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"2024 Ford Mustang exterior designer Chris Walter calls the car's interior &quot;transformative.&quot;\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Sports cars are big toys and Unreal Engine brings a new play set to the cabin to customize drive modes and instrument displays. Or you can just ogle 360-degree graphics of your car. Interior design complements the tech with simple lines, buttons, and wireless charger port for Android Auto\/Apple CarPlay.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-features_ford-3\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">My favorite interior toy used to be the stick shift, and I\u2019m thrilled the GT still comes standard with a six-speed (#SaveTheManual!), but the liquid-smooth, 10-speed automatic transmission comes with a growing list of benefits that make it the driver\u2019s choice at $1,595. Chief among these is it pairs with the V-8, like Astaire and Rogers, for dancing through the twisties.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/f6f8b9a6-d7e3-4448-8dde-8f89943bc45c-FordMustang_graphics.jpg?width=980&amp;height=552&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang screens boast lovely graphics \u2014 and up to 6 configurable drive modes in addition to NORMAL, SPORT and TRACK.\" width=\"481\" height=\"271\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/f6f8b9a6-d7e3-4448-8dde-8f89943bc45c-FordMustang_graphics.jpg?width=980&amp;height=552&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/f6f8b9a6-d7e3-4448-8dde-8f89943bc45c-FordMustang_graphics.jpg?width=1960&amp;height=1104&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang screens boast lovely graphics \u2014 and up to 6 configurable drive modes in addition to NORMAL, SPORT and TRACK.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang screens boast lovely graphics \u2014 and up to 6 configurable drive modes in addition to NORMAL, SPORT and TRACK.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Then add launch control, paddle shifters, drifting and remote revving. The latter toys will wow your friends. Join a local drift club and learn the ropes. Remote-start the Mustang, then use the key fob to rev the engine. Dude.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The interior customization mirrors the exterior customization that Mustang customers have long enjoyed. Hmmm, shall I get Atlas Blue with white Shelby stripes or Oxford White with black stripes? The seventh-gen adds more goodies like 12 wheel options, colorful Brembo brake calipers and blacked-out roof.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-features_ford-4\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">All that bling would be wasted if the Mustang didn\u2019t have curb appeal, and the \u201924 delivers. This is Tom Cruise in a muscle shirt.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I liked the last-gen Mustang that expanded to 120-plus countries with a more European design.\u00a0 But the faithful (like my friend and \u2018Stang GT350 owner Chris) protested it as the \u201cMustang Fusion.\u201d The new-gen is edgier, more muscular with a wide mouth, brooding headlights and a rear fascia inspired by the \u201867 Fastback. Chris likes it.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/49e190b8-2c93-4325-810c-d1d509412d68-FordMustang_GT-rr3-4.jpg?width=980&amp;height=552&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Ford expects the 2024 Ford Mustang GT to make up about 55% of sales. The Ecoboost 4-banger will fill out the rest.\" width=\"491\" height=\"277\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/49e190b8-2c93-4325-810c-d1d509412d68-FordMustang_GT-rr3-4.jpg?width=980&amp;height=552&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/49e190b8-2c93-4325-810c-d1d509412d68-FordMustang_GT-rr3-4.jpg?width=1960&amp;height=1104&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"Ford expects the 2024 Ford Mustang GT to make up about 55% of sales. The Ecoboost 4-banger will fill out the rest.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"Ford expects the 2024 Ford Mustang GT to make up about 55% of sales. The Ecoboost 4-banger will fill out the rest.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Dress it in yellow, blue and red Skittle colors to show off the GT\u2019s multiple tattoos: badging and multiple ducts to feed the beast within. The trusty, 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 has been redesigned with menacing, dual throttle bodies that will encourage open hoods at the Dream Cruise.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The hood itself is interrupted by a functional hood scoop that aids cooling and downforce. Developed in Ford\u2019s state-of-the-art Dearborn wind tunnel, the added front downforce is part of a comprehensive effort to make \u2018Stang more sports car than muscle car.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Once a Woodward dragster, the \u201815 Mustang\u2019s independent rear suspension opened new horizons. This is now a true sports car and the \u201824 builds on that potential. Steering, shocks, aerodynamics \u2014 the parts have all been systematically upgraded to benefit the whole.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/070c600c-2bd7-43fc-a598-da1e1f1a3e71-FordMustang_Ecoboost-fr3-4.jpg?width=980&amp;height=552&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost starts at just over $32k and offers a nice variety of Skittle colors. This is Grabber Blue.\" width=\"479\" height=\"270\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/070c600c-2bd7-43fc-a598-da1e1f1a3e71-FordMustang_Ecoboost-fr3-4.jpg?width=980&amp;height=552&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/070c600c-2bd7-43fc-a598-da1e1f1a3e71-FordMustang_Ecoboost-fr3-4.jpg?width=1960&amp;height=1104&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost starts at just over $32k and offers a nice variety of Skittle colors. This is Grabber Blue.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost starts at just over $32k and offers a nice variety of Skittle colors. This is Grabber Blue.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The result is a whole lot of joy in corners as well as in a straight line. My co-driver and fellow scribe Robin Warner \u2014 a former race driver and Mustang engineer \u2014 roared with delight every time he let loose the Coyote\u2019s howl. But it\u2019s the ability to stay in the throttle through the twisties that really thrills.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-features_ford-5\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">My yellow V-8 pony was easy to drive fast.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">All these upgrades don\u2019t come free, and Mustang gets a significant $3,500 price increase over the sixth-gen model. That means the 480-horsepower GT now stickers for well above $40,000 at a $43,090 starting price. That\u2019s still $20K south of the 453-horse BMW M2 I just tested.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ford expects the GT to soak up 55% of the sales volume. Coyote is addictive. But for those shopping on a sub-$40K budget, the entry-level, $32,515, 4-cylinder Mustang Ecoboost (ugh, that name) is no ordinary 4-banger.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/52341356-363c-42c6-a28e-b7068285be0c-FordMustang_Ecoboost-track-payne.jpg?width=980&amp;height=550&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Detroit News columnist Henry Payne took the 2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost for a spin at Irwindale Raceway in California.\" width=\"485\" height=\"272\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/52341356-363c-42c6-a28e-b7068285be0c-FordMustang_Ecoboost-track-payne.jpg?width=980&amp;height=550&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/07\/24\/PDTN\/52341356-363c-42c6-a28e-b7068285be0c-FordMustang_Ecoboost-track-payne.jpg?width=1960&amp;height=1100&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"Detroit News columnist Henry Payne took the 2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost for a spin at Irwindale Raceway in California.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"Detroit News columnist Henry Payne took the 2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost for a spin at Irwindale Raceway in California.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">This is a similar 2.3-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder used in Europe\u2019s Focus RS hot hatch \u2014 and it has been thoroughly upgraded for 2024. \u201cBase turbo-four engine fails to excite,\u201d lamented our friends at Car and Driver about the last gen. Problem solved.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Other sports cars\u2019 turbo-4s \u2014 the Porsche 718 comes to mind \u2014 have disappointed as they strive to satisfy mpg nannies. Mustang\u2019s turbo-4 is Son of Coyote with its playful growl, 350-pound feet of torque (just 65 shy of big brother), and a lighter front end for better handling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Go topless and that handling confidence goes away. Absent the roof, the \u2018Stang is uncertain in fast switchbacks. But that\u2019s not why you buy the convertible. You buy it to cruise the Woodward Dream Cruise, soak up sun, or enjoy a lake breeze in Traverse City.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-features_ford-6\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Mustang has its demerits. You have to take your legs off to sit in the back seat (can we get a Mustang sedan to replace the Dodge Charger, please?), and a head-up display option would be nice. But with the 2024 model, Mustang has matured for a new era.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">As the scion of a sub-brand that now includes the Mach-E SUV, \u2018Stang is fun, high tech \u2014 and, like Tom Cruise, still hot.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2024 Ford Mustang<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-passenger sports car<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $32,515 base, including $1,595 destination ($53,635 Ecoboost Convertible and $60,840 GT as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power plant: 2.3-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder; 5.0-liter V-8<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power: 315 horsepower, 350 pound-feet of torque (Turbo-4); 480 horsepower, 415 pound-feet of torque (V-8)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: Six-speed manual (GT only); 10-speed automatic<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 3.9 seconds (Motor Trend est.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 4,012 pounds (GT as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA 22 mpg city\/33 mpg highway\/26 mpg combined (turbo-4): 14 mpg city\/23 mpg highway\/17 mpg combined (V-8)<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-features_ford-7\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: Good engine lineup; transformed, high-tech interior<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: Cramped back seat; gets pricey with options<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Overall: 4 stars<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Los Angeles\u00a0\u2014 Angeles Crest Highway north of LA is hardly angelic. This is California\u2019s version of Michigan&#8217;s Hell. Like the writhing byways of Hell north of Ann Arbor, Angeles Crest Highway \u2014 aka State Route 2 \u2014 is where Southern Cal motorheads escape to put their sports cars to the test. Diabolical switchbacks. Diving turns. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31220"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31220"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31220\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31221,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31220\/revisions\/31221"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31220"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31220"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31220"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}