Ford has announced the Mustang California Special for the European market, exclusively available in Convertible bodystyle with the V8 engine. This is the first time Europe gets the California Special which was already available in the US.
The special edition is inspired by the 1968 original. Following the example of the US-spec model, it comes with the GT/CS badge in Race Red, an Ebony Black honeycomb grille, a more prominent front splitter, optional decorative vents on the side, Carbonised Grey 19-inch alloy wheels, faux filler cap, and quad tailpipes. It also gets a cool set of “color shift” California Special decals with a hidden “California Special” script on the side strips that becomes visible under strong sunlight. The color palette includes nine shades with the pictured Cyber Orange contrasting the black fabric roof.
See Also: 2022 Ford Mustang Gets California Special Trim With Optional GT Performance Package
Inside we find heated and cooled seats with leather and grey Miko suede upholstery, red stitching, GT/CS logos, Carbon Hex aluminum finish around the 12-inch digital instrument cluster, plus the 8-inch central touchscreen incorporating the SYNC 3 infotainment system. Standard ADAS include the Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Alert.
The EU-spec California Special is fitted with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 444 hp (331 kW / 450 PS) and 529 Nm (390 lb-ft) of torque which is slightly less than the 454 hp (338 kW / 460 PS) of the US-spec model because of the stricter emission regulations. The V8 is the only engine option for the two-door Mustang in Europe since the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder was discontinued last year due to slow sales. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox or a 10-speed automatic. The former allows a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.8 seconds while the automatic will get you there faster in 4.5 seconds.
The Mustang comes standard with a limited-slip differential, while the electronically controlled MagneRide suspension is optional. The muscle car also gets Drive Modes (Normal, Sport, Track, and Snow/Wet) plus a “Good Neighbour” mode for a quieter exhaust at pre-programmed times during the day.
Read Also: 2023 / 2024 Ford Mustang GT Takes To The Streets With “Definite V8 Rumble”
Ford didn’t announce EU pricing for the special edition although we suspect it will be more expensive than the Ford Mustang GT. In order to promote the California Special’s arrival to the Old Continent, Ford released a promo video showing a couple driving it with the roof down under heavy rain.
This is supposed to demonstrate that “California is a state of mind to be enjoyed wherever you are” although if you want our opinion it should come with a “Don’t try this at home” sign. After all, there are places in Europe with plenty of sunlight where you can really enjoy the drop-top muscle car.
https://youtu.be/WtKU2C-v4pk
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