Vehicles in Sixt’s STAR category are designed to offer a more refined driving experience, with a focus on comfort, design, and overall balance. Unlike models that emphasize utility or high performance, STAR vehicles prioritize smooth handling, well-appointed interiors, and a more composed presence on the road.
Standard features typically include automatic transmission and key convenience options. In this article, we take a closer look at one example from the STAR lineup to see how it fits within Sixt’s broader vehicle offering.
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Ford Mustang GT Convertible
Press the start button and the 5.0-liter V8 comes to life with a deep rumble under the long hood. There is no mistaking what kind of car this is. The Mustang GT Convertible does not stay quiet. It growls, it snarls, and it makes sure you feel every bit of its muscle car heritage. Even in a time when hybrids and electric vehicles are taking over, this naturally aspirated V8 stands tall as a bold and unapologetic outlier.
The 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8 is now in its fourth generation and remains one of the few naturally aspirated V8s left in a production performance car. For the GT, output stands at 480 horsepower at 7,150 rpm and 415 lb-ft of torque at 4,900 rpm. That’s achieved through a dual-injection setup (direct and port), revised intake runners, and an active exhaust system that changes character based on driving mode.
Paired with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission (co-developed with GM), the engine delivers power smoothly across the rev range. The gearing is closely spaced, keeping the V8 in its power band at nearly all times. In normal driving, shifts are nearly seamless. In sportier modes, the transmission reacts sharply and holds gears confidently. Paddle shifters are responsive and offer genuine manual control without feeling artificial. That said, the transmission can sometimes feel unsure of itself under heavy throttle, searching for the right gear instead of locking in with authority. It gets the job done, but not always in a way that feels fully in sync with the car’s performance character.
At around 3,950 pounds, the GT Convertible is no lightweight, and it doesn’t try to be. Yet, it handles its mass with surprising confidence. The steering is electrically assisted and well-tuned, though not overly communicative. The available drive modes (Normal, Sport, Track, Slippery, and Drag Strip) adjust throttle mapping, steering weight, exhaust note, and shift behavior.
The optional MagneRide adaptive suspension really changes the game when it comes to ride comfort and cornering grip, especially when you combine it with the GT Performance Package. That setup includes Brembo brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, beefier anti-roll bars, and extra cooling to keep things steady during hard driving. This might not be a razor-edged sports car, but it’s a powerful cruiser that handles well enough to earn serious respect on twisty roads.
Ford claims a 0–60 mph time of around 4.3 to 4.5 seconds for the GT Convertible with the 10-speed auto, depending on conditions and equipment. Traction is good for a rear-wheel-drive convertible, thanks to launch control and torque management, but the Mustang still rewards careful throttle input when road surfaces are less than ideal.
The latest refresh gives the Mustang a sharper, more modern look while keeping its classic long-hood, short-deck proportions. The triple LED headlights nod to the car’s heritage with a design that feels instantly familiar. The fastback vibe still comes through strong, even with the top down. The fabric roof folds back at the push of a button and stows cleanly behind the rear seats, leaving around 10 cubic feet of trunk space, which is plenty for a weekend getaway.
Inside, the changes are more dramatic. The old-school analog gauges are gone, replaced by a 12.4-inch fully digital instrument cluster that lets you choose from several display themes, including a throwback layout inspired by the classic Fox-body Mustangs. Next to it, a 13.2-inch touchscreen tilted toward the driver runs the latest version of Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment system.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the system is fast, clear, and relatively intuitive. Climate and vehicle settings are also managed via the screen, which takes some getting used to but becomes second nature with time. Materials are solid across the cabin, with available leather seating surfaces, contrast stitching, and soft-touch panels in key areas. Front seats offer available heating, ventilation, and memory settings. Rear seats remain best reserved for small passengers or extra cargo.
Ford offers a solid set of driver-assist features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. Everything works smoothly and feels well put together. The GT also brings some standout extras like an electronic drift brake that works in Track mode, remote start, and an available 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. There’s even a ‘Good Neighbor’ exhaust mode that lets you leave the driveway quietly, which early risers will definitely appreciate.
But while the front row delivers the kind of comfort and space you’d expect in a grand-touring convertible, the rear seats are more symbolic than functional. Legroom is virtually nonexistent, the seatbacks are bolt upright, and the entry is awkward enough to test anyone’s flexibility. Even smaller adults will feel like afterthoughts back there. Truthfully, the back seats are better suited for weekend bags, a jacket, or perhaps a very forgiving friend with low expectations.