Hot in the Lot: Matt

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Matt Macksamie’s 2005 Ford Mustang

By Charles Spivey - 10/04
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NEIRAD enilno edition

Although we don’t usually like to run Hot in the Lot repeats, we have a student driver who definitely merits an automotive update.  Senior Matt Macksamie’s 2008 Volkswagen R32 was featured last February. Now Matt has added another car to his already impressive stable; a 2005 Ford Mustang GT.

Equipped with a 4.6L V8, the Mustang pumps out 300 hp and 320 ft. lbs of torque.  This raw amount of power propels the ‘Stang to 60 in 5.1 seconds, and on to a top speed of 149 mph, although Matt claims he never has, and never will go that fast.

Modifications done to the Mustang are a Magnaflow exhaust and polished 17” wheels.  In the future, Matt and his father plan to install a Roush supercharger.  Although the Mustang has 300hp stock, Matt would expect to see more than 400 horsepower after the supercharger.  At around $5,000, the supercharger will have to go be put on hold for a while.

The interior of the Mustang is quite nice despite it being an American car, (I think we can all agree that the American’s are lagging behind their European counterparts in creating a luxurious interior) featuring red leather interior, and gauges that can be changed by the driver.  A feature exclusive to the Mustang model.

Although it’s hard to compare an American muscle car to a German sports coupe, Matt explained the pros and cons his old Volkswagen R32 vs. the Mustang.  “I love both cars.  The sound of the V8 from the Mustang just makes it that much more fun to drive though.”  “I also like how the Mustang has a six-speed manual transmission, where my R32 they only came with DSG, or VW’s version of a dual-clutch automatic.” 

Overall, Macksamie explains that he is an American muscle fan at heart.  He explains that although Mustangs have gone through many transformations since the beginning of production in 1964, he’s been an avid fan of the brand ever since he can remember. Despite Macksamie’s love for his VW R32, nothing can compare to the gnarly V8 groan, and the spinning of the rear wheels during acceleration in his 2005 Mustang.