Ford Australia has whipped the covers off the Mustang R-Spec, a limited-edition fastback model that the firm co-developed with Herrod Performance, the self-proclaimed Mustang specialists Down Under.
So, what makes this car special? For starters, beneath its elongated bonnet, the free-breathing 5,0-litre V8 has been equipped with a 2,65-litre supercharger, courtesy of Roush. The uprated eight-cylinder Coyote engine now churns out a whopping 522 kW and 827 N.m of torque. That’s 183 kW and 271 N.m more than the standard Mustang GT’s (as a reminder, South African examples are detuned by 8 kW and 27 N.m). A performance exhaust adds aural drama to the R-Spec package.
In addition, like the hallowed Mustang Bullitt, the R-Spec model ditches the 10-speed automatic transmission for a (purists, rejoice!) six-speed manual ‘box. Like its stablemates, power is sent exclusively to the rear axle.
According to the Australian arm of the Blue Oval brand, this Mustang has been developed to take “full advantage” of its increased capability. The air intakes have been enlarged to provide the supercharger with more air, while the bespoke boot-mounted spoiler keeps the car balanced, says Ford. R-spec variants rides 20 mm closer to the ground than standard models, and larger stabiliser bars, measuring 37 mm and 25,2 mm, have been fitted fore and aft. Ford’s MagneRide adaptive damping setup is standard.
Visually, the Mustang R-Spec distinguishes itself from the rest of the range. Seen here in Grabber Lime paintwork, the limited-edition Mustang features a gloss-black Pony badge up front, while an “R-Spec” item in the same hue has replaced the usual GT moniker at the rear. Model-specific decals have also been added to the bonnet and flanks of the car.
Ford Australia and Herrod Performance will produce just 500 units of the model, and only for the Australian market, where it retails for $99 980 (around R1 020 000 in SA money).
