FOR MOST PEOPLE, the V8 power in the Ford Mustang is more than sufficient, but others would always like more.
For them, Ford will offer the latest local edition of the world’s best-selling sport coupe, the 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 Ford dealer network-backed, supercharged Mustang for the first time in history. Distinguished by a series of exterior design and interior elements, each Mustang R-SPEC will be individually numbered and badged. The model will be available for pre-order from October 10, with a price of $99,980 (plus on road costs).
“We have been working hard with Herrod Performance to deliver a supercharged Mustang to Australian customers,” said Kay Hart, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand. “Now, we’ve been able to bring this special edition Mustang to Australian customers through our extensive dealership network, and with the peace-of-mind of five-year, unlimited kilometre warranties backed by Ford and Herrod.”
Available exclusively in the Fastback body with a 6-speed manual, the Mustang R-SPEC will be available nationally at Ford dealerships, and will deliver customers an individually-numbered, special edition Mustang with unique exterior treatments and even more exciting performance. The supercharged R-SPEC was developed through a collaboration with Herrod Performance as a second-stage manufacturer. Completing the Mustang 2020 line-up are the turbocharged Mustang 2.3L High Performance and naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre GT model.
“Herrod Performance is so proud to be able to work with Ford on this special collaboration, bringing a unique Mustang R-SPEC equipped with genuine Ford Performance Parts, and honed with the expertise of both Ford Australia and Herrod Performance teams,” said Rob Herrod, Managing Director, Herrod Performance.
The R-SPEC customer will benefit from Ford’s Australia-wide dealer network, along with Ford Service Benefits that includes the Service Loan Car Program, Auto Club Membership, including Roadside Assistance, SYNC 3 infotainment system, including sat-nav map updates. Ford is also offering the $299 maximum service price payable for a standard A scheduled service for up to 24 months or 40,000kms (whichever comes first) at participating Ford Dealers.
“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.”
Mustang R-SPEC: A Collaboration with Herrod Performance
The 2020 Mustang R-SPEC is a collaboration between Herrod Performance and Ford in Australia. 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. When we combine these functional upgrades with the unique design cues, the result is a meaner more aggressive attitude and more flattering silhouette, the car just looks ready to go!”
“The MY2020 colour palette lends itself superbly to the black treatment, but the details go beyond this. While the alloys and side-stripes – which hark back to the previous R-SPEC offered here in 2014 – 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 cockpit of the Mustang R-SPEC features the full-suite of MY2020 Mustang conveniences and innovations. Sitting in the standard leather-trimmed Mustang sports seats behind the classic three-spoke sports steering wheel, the 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster is fully customisable, and 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, which has been upgraded over the standard Mustang GT’s quad-tipped unit for greater performance and a distinct version of that V8 rumble. In addition, the standard Launch Control function can be accessed via the digital display, enabling a rev-point to be set and marked on the digital tachometer.
All MY2020 Mustangs include SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility as standard, including voice-activated sat-nav and climate control functions. In addition, the 8.0-inch full-colour touchscreen also hosts compatible smartphone apps such as Spotify, which enables owners to take full advantage of the B&O Play 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-levelling headlights.
Local hero: The Supercharged Mustang for Australia
The Mustang R-SPEC is the most powerful Mustang to be offered through Ford dealerships in Australia, and is tailored to the local enthusiast market. 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 Mustang R-SPEC uses a Ford Performance Roots-type positive displacement supercharger, which provides smooth throttle response, drivability and engagement for a potent, yet refined, 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. 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 mounted buttons. Like the Mustang GT, neighbourly consideration can be dialled in via the digital instrument cluster using the Quiet mode on R-SPEC.
Power from the third-generation Coyote V8 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 supercharger has been subjected to Ford Performance’s durability and testing regimes, which have enabled it to be fully supported by a five-year unlimited kilometre Herrod Performance warranty. This complements Ford’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty on the base vehicle, for customer confidence and ownership peace-of-mind.
The Mustang R-SPEC has been developed to take full advantage of the increased capability with Ford Performance components. New firmer Ford Performance springs lower the R-SPEC by 20mm compared to the regular Mustang GT, and are teamed with MagneRide suspension as standard. The MagneRide system has a unique software calibration for the Vehicle Dynamics Module (VDM), which adjusts the damping rate 100 times a second, and is intelligent enough know that the R-SPEC sits lower to the road.
The handling package also sees Ford Performance adjustable stabilizer bars fitted: 37mm (+5mm) front and 25.2mm (+3mm) rear, for greater control and agility. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres as standard provide three different compounds across the treadface for greater dry grip and reduced rolling resistance. The black 19-inch Ford Performance alloy wheels measure 9.5-inches at the front, and 10-inches at the rear, an increase of 0.5mm for both.
The Mustang R-SPEC will be available through Ford dealerships in early 2020.