FORD Mustang enthusiasts in Australia can look forward to the latest local edition of the world’s best selling sport coupe, as Ford introduces the 345kW-plus Mustang R-SPEC to dealerships across Australia from early 2020.
The special edition model, with a strictly limited run of 500 units, is the result of a collaboration between Ford Australia and Herrod Performance, and brings Australian customers a supercharged Mustang for the first time in history.
Distinguished by a series of exterior and interior design elements, each R-SPEC will be individually numbered and badged. Available exclusively as a Fastback with a 6-speed manual, it will deliver a mechanical package that puts driving at the heart of its mantra.
The Mustang R-SPEC uses a Ford Performance roots type positive displacement supercharger, which provides greater, smoother throttle response, drivability and engagement for potent yet refined, comfortable daily-driver characteristics.
With a 2.65-litre capacity and 12PSI of boost, it enables more power throughout the rev range, with reduced noise and vibration, for greater refinement and comfort.
The system includes an aluminium high efficiency intercooler and full face radiator, fed by the larger front air intake, specific to R-SPEC.
Adding to the experience, a unique Herrod Performance exhaust has been fitted, ensuring the Mustang’s V8 soundtrack can be deployed through the Active Exhaust settings, with Quiet, Normal, Sport and Race Track modes selectable via the steering wheel.
Like the Mustang GT, the Quiet mode on the R-SPEC can be set for specific times of day via the digital instrument cluster.
The supercharged R-SPEC will be added to the Ford Mustang line up going in to 2020, where it will join the improved 2.3-litre High Performance turbo 4-cylinder model and the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre GT.
R-SPEC customers will benefit from Ford Service Benefits that includes the service loan car program, Auto Club membership, including Roadside Assistance, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system, including sat-nav map updates.
The cockpit of the Mustang R-SPEC features the full suite of 2020 Mustang conveniences and innovations, including standard leather trimmed sports seats, the classic three spoke sports steering wheel and a 12.4 inch customisable digital instrument cluster.
The latter of which can be set to change in tandem or independently of the Mustang R-SPEC’s selectable drive and separate steering modes. The digital instrumentation can also be used to set the Active Exhaust.
This has been upgraded over the standard Mustang GT’s quad tipped unit for greater performance, and a distinct version of that signature Mustang V8 rumble. In addition, the standard launch control function can be accessed via the digital display.
All 2020 Mustangs include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility as standard, including voice-activated SatNav and climate control functions. In addition, the 8.0-inch full colour touchscreen also hosts compatible smartphone apps such as Spotify.
And that’s a handy thing, because it allows you to take full advantage of the Bang and Olfsen nine speaker audio system, which includes a sub woofer.
Standard driver assist technology on the Mustang R-SPEC includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, as well as lane departure warning with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and self leveling headlights.
The supercharged model now complements the line up, which offers customers a full range of turbocharged, naturally-aspirated and supercharged models, each with unique treatments and identities.
The model will be available for pre-order from today, at a price of $99,980 plus on-roads. Ford is also offering 24 months (or 40,000km) of capped price servicing at participating dealers.
