Ford Mustang Ecoboost Get More Power

  • Ford Mustang High Performance 2.3L introduces more capable Ford Performance-developed turbocharged powertrain, bespoke styling and cabin treatments
    • The Ford Mustang High Performance 2.3L will join the Mustang line-up for MY2020, with a Ford Performance developed 236kW turbocharged engine, bold colour palette and striking looks to be the most potent, visually arresting model yet
    • Significant visual upgrades to distinguish Mustang High Performance 2.3L, including high performance decals in a nod to the turbocharged Mustangs of the 1980s, as well as individual badging, colourisation and graphic treatments and alloy wheels
    • Mustang High Performance 2.3L will offer eye-popping heritage colours including Twister Orange and Grabber Lime as part of a distinctive, adventurous colour range to add even greater differentiation
    • Every Ford Mustang  High Performance 2.3L includes a five-year, unlimited kilometre factory warranty with Ford Service Benefits including Ford Loan Car Program, complimentary map updates and Motoring Club Membership for eligible customers
    The High Performance 2.3L Mustang will join the Australian line-up in February 2020. The MY2020 model will see a more potent, customisable turbocharged model, reflecting Australian customers’ calls for a unique performance version alongside the 5.0-litre V8 Mustang GT in what’s the most comprehensive line-up offered in Australia to date. “The High Performance 2.3L helps extend Mustang’s already broad appeal,” said Kay Hart, Ford Australia and New Zealand President and CEO. “With distinctive looks, increased equipment level and bold colour choices, the turbocharged model is a welcome addition to the line-up, bringing a freshness to the range while still being pure Mustang.” The expansion of the Ford Service Benefits program to MY2020 Mustang means that for the first four years/60,000km (whichever comes first), eligible customers will be able to service their MY2020 Mustang 2.3L High Performance for a maximum recommended price of $299 (incl. GST) per A or B logbook service at participating dealerships. This further demonstrates the strength of Ford Service Benefits, including the added value of a Service Loan Car, Motoring Club membership (including Roadside Assistance), SYNC 3 sat-nav updates, Vehicle Report Card, and the peace of mind of experienced Factory Trained Technicians when customers’ service at participating Dealers. 2020 Vision: turbocharged Mustang boosts line-up The MY2020 High Performance 2.3L Mustang will be offered in both Fastback and Convertible body styles, and is distinguished by a series of unique visual elements. Beginning with a new specific front grille, the MY2020 turbocharged model uses the Mustang GT’s more aggressive front splitter, flanked by Magnetic mirror caps and bonnet spears. Detailing includes stand-alone badging, which sees an offset Pony tribar proudly up front, with the same red-white-and-blue design on the rear centre cap. Fastback versions feature a Magnetic lip spoiler as standard, while both body styles boast unique badging and machine-finished 19-inch alloy wheels showing off premium Brembo brakes with red front calipers. Four fresh colours for the Mustang line-up are designed to give each Mustang kerb appeal beyond its iconic lines. The striking Twister Orange and Grabber Lime build on Mustang’s tradition of heritage paintwork. Accompanying the heritage hero colours is the new Iconic Silver, a svelte sheen that highlights Mustang’s contours and sleek shape, while the fresh Rapid Red brings a richness to a classic Mustang colour. While the High Performance 2.3L Mustang’s contrasting bonnet spears, mirrors and lip spoiler are finished in Magnetic, for customers who select Magnetic as the body colour, the contrasting bonnet spears are instead finished in silver. Options to vary the exterior also include body-coloured mirror caps as a No Cost Option. Mustang High Performance 2.3L: honed by Ford Performance The MY2020 High Performance 2.3L Mustang brings with it more power and capability. The Ford Performance-developed 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops 236kW at 6200rpm and 448Nm of torque at 3800rpm1– the highest output for a road-going four-cylinder Mustang – and is offered with either a traditional six-speed manual or an advanced 10-speed paddleshift automatic. With an aluminium alloy block and high-performance head, the turbocharged Mustang’s powerplant contributes to a well-balanced 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution. “It’s not just the power gains over the previous 2.3-litre engine,” said Carl Widmann, Chief Program Engineer, Ford Mustang. “It’s the broader torque curve that delivers 90 percent of peak torque between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm. Plus, horsepower holds stronger up to the 6,500-rpm redline – enabling more usable power and torque.” The increased performance of the turbocharged 2.3-litre engine is achieved by using a larger 63mm twin-scroll turbocharger, as used in the Ford Performance Focus RS, constructed of aluminium for strength and durability while reducing weight to provide the driver stronger throttle response. Gear ratios for both manual and automatic variants have been shortened from MY19 models to further improve agility and driver engagement. The broader torque curve from the turbocharged engine brings greater drivability, engine flexibility and point-to-point capability. Mustang: made for the long, winding road The High Performance 2.3L Mustang chassis further develops its unique character and performance credentials. In addition to its improved weight distribution, a thicker 32mm front stabiliser bar brings greater control and compliance, the rear stabiliser bar has increased in size from 21.7mm to 24mm. The standard machine-faced 19-inch alloy wheels are shod in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, with a staggered fitment seeing 9.0-inch wide wheels delivering more responsive, lightweight steering feel with 9.5-inch wide rear wheels for greater traction and power delivery. A final drive ratio of 3.55:1 has also been specified from the previous 3.31:1 on manual models, the same as on 10-speed automatic versions, for improved performance. As per Mustang GT, MagneRide suspension is also available as an option on Mustang High Performance 2.3L models for greater comfort. Driver Assist Technology as standard on all MY2020 Mustangs includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection, as well as Lane Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control2. Mustang also benefits from Auto-levelling headlights, as well as automatic high beam, enabling the driver a clear view of the road ahead. Saddle Up: in the drivers’ seat of the MY2020 Mustang  The interior of the MY2020 Mustang line-up further improves the significant updates that arrived with the current model in 2018. These include more premium, tactile materials and textured interior finishes, for a higher-end feel, while a fully customisable 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster proving crisp, personalised drive information across all driving modes. For MY2020, the High Performance 2.3L Mustang brings interior highlights including a spun aluminium instrument panel with oil pressure and turbo boost gauges, plus a serialized dash plaque. The interior continues to offer standard leather-upholstery or optional leather Recaro sports seats, with touchpoints including a leather-wrapped classically designed three-spoke sports steering wheel and hand-brake boot alongside a chrome gear lever in manual models. Ford SYNC® 33 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto4 is standard on 2020 Mustang, which includes Emergency Assist5. SYNC® 3 also includes an 8.0-inch full-colour reversing camera display, as well as built-in sat-nav with complimentary mapping updates for up to seven years. The Convertible model uses an acoustic retracting roof system that can be opened or closed in approximately seven seconds to make the most of the surrounds. Easily responsive to changeable weather, the Mustang Convertible roof system enables convenience and an immersive experience for driver and passengers alike. Ford Mustang: a global road car, an international race car The Ford Mustang has been the world’s best-selling sports car for four consecutive years, and since its arrival in Australia, has become the nation’s most popular sports car for 2016, 2017 and 2018. Ford Performance Mustangs currently compete in Supercars, NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity series, British and US GT4 categories, Formula Drift as well as the NHRA, and in 2019, the Ford Mustang joined the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship making Mustang a truly global race and road car. In July, the Mustang Supercar helped Ford seal the Manufacturers’ Title for the 2019 Supercars series. The Ford Mustang High Performance 2.3L goes on sale in Australia in February 2020 with pricing to be confirmed closer to launch.
Written by Alan Zurvas

Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.

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