WHILE MOST PEOPLE think of the Ford Mustang in its V8 guise, there’s another model in the line-up that some people think is actually a better-balanced car.
Yes, it’s the four-cylinder variant. And now a high performance 2.3-litre will join the range for 2020, offering a 236kW turbocharged engine, a new range of colours and other upgrades.
The High Performance 2.3L Mustang will join the Australian line-up in February 2020. The new model will see a more potent, customisable turbocharged model, reflecting Australian customers’ calls for a unique performance version alongside the 5.0-litre V8 Mustang GT in what’s the most comprehensive line-up offered in Australia to date.
“The High Performance 2.3L helps extend Mustang’s already broad appeal,” said Kay Hart, Ford Australia and New Zealand President and CEO. “With distinctive looks, increased equipment level and bold colour choices, the turbocharged model is a welcome addition to the line-up, bringing a freshness to the range while still being pure Mustang.”
The expansion of the Ford Service Benefits program to MY2020 Mustang means that for the first four years/60,000km (whichever comes first), eligible customers will be able to service their MY2020 Mustang 2.3L High Performance for a maximum recommended price of $299 (incl. GST) per A or B logbook service at participating dealerships.
Ford Service Benefits is a strong selling feature, with the added value of a Service Loan Car, Motoring Club membership (including Roadside Assistance), SYNC 3 sat-nav updates, Vehicle Report Card, and the peace of mind of experienced Factory Trained Technicians when customers’ service at participating Dealers.
Turbocharged four-cylinder Mustang boosts line-up
The High Performance 2.3L Mustang will be offered in both Fastback and Convertible body styles, and is distinguished by a series of unique visual elements. Beginning with a new specific front grille, the new turbocharged model uses the Mustang GT’s more aggressive front splitter, flanked by Magnetic mirror caps and bonnet spears.
Detailing includes stand-alone badging, which sees an offset Pony tribar up front, with the same red-white-and-blue design on the rear centre cap. Fastback versions feature a Magnetic lip spoiler as standard, while both body styles boast unique badging and machine-finished 19-inch alloy wheels showing off premium Brembo brakes with red front calipers.
Four fresh colours have been added: Twister Orange and Grabber Lime build on Mustang’s tradition of heritage paintwork, while the new Iconic Silver and Rapid Red will appeal to traditionalists.
While the High Performance 2.3L Mustang’s contrasting bonnet spears, mirrors and lip spoiler are finished in Magnetic, for customers who select Magnetic as the body colour, the contrasting bonnet spears are instead finished in silver. Options to vary the exterior also include body-coloured mirror caps as a no cost option.
Mustang High Performance 2.3L: honed by Ford Performance
The High Performance 2.3L Mustang comes with more power and capability. The Ford Performance-developed 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops 236kW at 6200rpm and 448Nm of torque at 3800rpm – the highest output for a road-going four-cylinder Mustang – and is offered with either a traditional six-speed manual or an advanced 10-speed paddleshift automatic. With an aluminium alloy block and high-performance head, the turbocharged Mustang’s powerplant contributes to a well-balanced 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution.
“It’s not just the power gains over the previous 2.3-litre engine,” said Carl Widmann, Chief Program Engineer, Ford Mustang. “It’s the broader torque curve that delivers 90 percent of peak torque between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm. Plus, horsepower holds stronger up to the 6,500-rpm redline – enabling more usable power and torque.”
The increased performance of the turbocharged 2.3-litre engine is achieved by using a larger 63mm twin-scroll turbocharger, as used in the Ford Performance Focus RS, constructed of aluminium for strength and durability while reducing weight to provide the driver stronger throttle response. Gear ratios for both manual and automatic variants have been shortened from MY19 models to further improve agility and driver engagement. The broader torque curve from the turbocharged engine brings greater drivability, engine flexibility and point-to-point capability.
The open road is its natural home
In addition to its improved weight distribution, a thicker 32mm front stabiliser bar brings greater control and compliance, the rear stabiliser bar has increased in size from 21.7mm to 24mm.
The standard machine-faced 19-inch alloy wheels are shod in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, with a staggered fitment seeing 9.0-inch wide wheels delivering more responsive, lightweight steering feel with 9.5-inch wide rear wheels for greater traction and power delivery. A final drive ratio of 3.55:1 has also been specified from the previous 3.31:1 on manual models, the same as on 10-speed automatic versions, for improved performance. As per Mustang GT, MagneRide suspension is also available as an option on Mustang High Performance 2.3L models for greater comfort.
Driver Assist Technology as standard on all MY2020 Mustangs includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, as well as Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Mustang also benefits from Auto-levelling headlights, as well as automatic high beam, enabling the driver a clear view of the road ahead.
More upgrades inside, too
The interior of the MY2020 Mustang line-up further improves the significant updates that arrived with the current model in 2018. These include more premium, tactile materials and textured interior finishes, for a higher-end feel, while a fully customisable 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster proving crisp, personalised drive information across all driving modes.
For MY2020, the High Performance 2.3L Mustang brings interior highlights including a spun aluminium instrument panel with oil pressure and turbo boost gauges, plus a serialized dash plaque.
The interior continues to offer standard leather-upholstery or optional leather Recaro sports seats, with touchpoints including a leather-wrapped classically designed three-spoke sports steering wheel and hand-brake boot alongside a chrome gear lever in manual models.
Ford SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on 2020 Mustang, which includes Emergency Assist. SYNC 3 also includes an 8.0-inch full-colour reversing camera display, as well as built-in sat-nav with complimentary mapping updates for up to seven years.
The Convertible model uses an acoustic retracting roof system that can be opened or closed in approximately seven seconds.
A winning formula
The Ford Mustang has been the world’s best-selling sports car for four consecutive years, and since its arrival in Australia, has become the nation’s most popular sports car for 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Ford Mustang High Performance 2.3L goes on sale in Australia in February 2020 with pricing to be confirmed closer to launch.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Ford Mustang High Performance 2.3L, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.