Mustang History: 2020

While styling for the 2020 Mustang remains the same, Ford has tuned the Ford Focus RS’s brilliant EcoBoost engine to roar its way to the top of the rankings as the most powerful four-cylinder engine ever fitted to a Mustang with the new High Performance Package. Increased engine outputs, due to a larger twin-scroll turbo compressor, updated engine calibration, and a larger radiator, now number 330 hp and 350 lb-ft, with 90 percent of the available torque available from as low as 3,000 rpm right up to the redline. Additionally, a new EcoBoost Handling package throws in active dampers, a 3.55 limited-slip differential, 19-inch wheels, an active valve performance exhaust, and tires capable of handling all the enthusiasm a street-racer can legally dole out. The FordPass App is also now standard across the range, allowing remote connection to your vehicle, Roadside Assistance and numerous rewards and benefits.

The GT350 and GT350R start at $60,440 and $73,435, respectively, and each is intended to provide the owner with an exhilarating driving experience on the daily commute and the track. The saucily-named 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 develops 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque in the GT350, with the R variant gaining one hp and losing a lot of weight. The flat-plane crank in this driver’s car is the cause of that high-pitched howl, but the real trick bits are in the suspension and on the body. A six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive are the only options, as they should be, ensuring that posers and the lazy avoid this enthusiasts’ machine.

On the surface, the changes are tough to spot unless one of the new paint options – Twister Orange, Grabber Lime, Iconic Silver, or Rapid Red – is selected. FordPass Connect, with its internet browser, Wi-Fi hotspot, and live traffic updates, is now standard, while the GT350R gets revised steering geometry, adding to its precision and helping prevent the car from chasing ruts in the road. The brake discs have also been swapped from drilled rotors to solid discs, thus improving pad life and minimizing fade. We don’t usually discuss incremental price increases here, but in this case, the increase for a 2020 GT350R is $5,000 over 2019’s list price – we’re heading towards the dark side of 80 grand now. A brand new Heritage package has also just been released in honor of Ken Miles, the Le Mans-winning racecar driver who steered Carroll Shelby’s team to greatness against Ferrari in ’66. He also had a decorated career behind the wheel of Fastbacks and has finally been recognized for his service to the brand.

The Shelby GT500 hasn’t been seen since the first half of the decade, with the nameplate last utilized in 2014. That car had a live rear axle and a claimed top speed of 200 mph. For 2020, the GT500 nameplate is revived, a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 shoved under the hood, the independent rear suspension of the current Mustang is carried over, and the limiter is reduced to 180 mph – a sign that the new GT500 is intended to be capable in the corners rather than just a straight-line one-trick pony. Like its GT350 sibling, it uses pre-facelift ‘Stang headlights, as the designers felt this worked better with the more aggressive body lines. In order to make it as fast as possible, the GT500 is equipped exclusively with an all-new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which allows for 0-60 times below 3.5 seconds.

The Mustang 55 is a special 55th anniversary package for the 5.0L and EcoBoost Mustang but only for Europe. It has unique exterior styling including distinctive bonnet and side-stripes, badging, and optional rear spoiler, and a high-specification interior.

Base Pricing

Engines

Performance