Ford Australia has confirmed the Mustang High Performance 2.3L will join the local line-up in February 2020, replacing the current EcoBoost.

 

The 2.3-litre petrol engine has been tuned to produce 236kW and 448Nm, an increase of 12kW and 7Nm on the current EcoBoost model. Ford says there’s a broader torque curve that delivers 90 per cent of peak torque between 2500 and 5300rpm.

 

The additional kick comes from a larger 63mm twin-scroll turbocharger (from the Focus RS), constructed of aluminium for strength and durability while reducing weight to provide the driver stronger throttle response.

 

Power is sent to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or 10-speed paddle-shift automatic. Gear ratios for both manual and automatic variants have been shortened to improve agility and driver engagement.

 

Underneath, there’s a thicker 32mm front stabiliser bar for greater control and compliance, while the rear stabiliser bar has increased in size from 21.7mm to 24mm.

 

Buyers will also get a new variable sports exhaust system, four-piston Brembo brakes on the front axle, updated steering and a limited-slip rear differential.

 

When the final numbers are crunched, the four-cylinder Mustang has a 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution.

 

The MY20 Mustang High Performance will ride on machine-faced 19-inch alloy wheels shod in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, with a staggered fitment with 9.0-inch wide wheels at the front and 9.5-inch wide rims at the rear.

 

Ford will continue to offer the four-pot Mustang in both Fastback and Convertible body styles. Each gets a tweaked exterior with a new front grille, a more aggressive front splitter from the GT, magnetic mirror caps and bonnet spears, updated badging and a lip spoiler (Fastback only).

 

The High Performance will get access to the new colours previously announced for the GT including Twister Orange and Grabber Lime.

 

Standard equipment highlights include a fully customisable 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, leather-upholstery, a sports steering wheel, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, auto-levelling headlights, automatic high beam, a rear-view camera and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and sat-nav.

 

The Ford Mustang High Performance 2.3L is scheduled to arrive locally in February 2020 with pricing to be confirmed closer to the launch date.