Ford Mustang R-SPEC is coming to Australia from early 2020. With a strictly limited run of just 500 units it is the result of a collaboration between Ford Australia and Herrod Performance. It will have Ford dealer network-backed and be the first supercharged Mustang.
Distinguished by a series of exterior design and interior elements, each Mustang R-SPEC will be individually numbered and badged. Recommended Manufacturer List Price (MLP) is just $99,980.
Power from the third-generation Coyote V8 engine has increased beyond the standard Mustang GT’s 339kW, and will surpass the 345kW output of the Mustang BULLITT to take the crown as the most potent Mustang offered by Ford in Australia.
“The Mustang R-SPEC is a vehicle that we’re immensely proud to deliver to enthusiasts,” said Ford’s R-SPEC program lead, Anna Hercan. “We’re even happier to deliver an ownership experience that brings the peace-of-mind and assurance of our dealer network, so that they can customise, own and enjoy this special edition Mustang with confidence.”
The development work and program has seen considerable testing and validation at Ford’s You Yangs Proving Ground, with exterior design work carried out at the Broadmeadows-based design studio.
“The R-SPEC has to stand out visually, even at a standstill,” said Ford designer Dave Dewitt, who led the exterior enhancement package. “That starts with the stance, and the unique 19-inch Ford Performance alloy wheels combined with the Ford Performance suspension package.
“The MY2020 colour palette lends itself superbly to the black treatment, but the details go beyond this. While the alloys and side-stripes are matte finished, the off-set striping, mirror caps and the rear spoiler have been given a gloss treatment to add more visual impact to the changes.”
The exclusive rear spoiler is balanced at the front of the car. A unique lower front valence with larger air intake and black surrounds for the LED daytime running lights lead into the Over-The-Top stripes.
The digital instrumentation can also be used to set the Active Exhaust, which 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.
Standard Launch Control function can be accessed via the digital display, enabling a rev-point to be set and marked on the digital tachometer.
The Mustang R-SPEC uses a Ford Performance Roots-type positive displacement supercharger, which provides greater, smoother throttle response, drivability and engagement for a potent yet refined, comfortable daily-driver characteristics.
“We’ve worked together to ensure that we have a consistent product that delivers a driving experience that meets the expectations of a factory-delivered product,” said Rob Herrod. “The R-SPEC has to be great to drive, as well as delivering the added power and creaminess of the supercharger – it’s what customers expect, and what we have worked on as a team to deliver.”
Interested? It might be an idea to stop reading this – and pick up to the phone to make a date with your favourite Ford dealer.
