The rivalry between the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro is one that's filled with both automakers constantly trying to one-up one another. While Chevrolet offers a sporty, track-oriented version of the Camaro with the four-cylinder in a convenient 1LE package, that's one area where Ford doesn't have an answer. All of that changes with the introduction of the 2.3L High Performance Package.
Just in time for the Mustang's 55th anniversary, Ford has come out with a High Performance Pack for the automaker's entry-level pony car. The most drastic change the pack brings the turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four from the Focus RS to the Mustang. In the Mustang, the EcoBoost motor cranks out 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. That's 20 more horsepower than the regular 2.3-liter four-cylinder in the Mustang, but 40 horsepower down on the Focus RS.
In addition to the engine, the pack also brings a bunch of other components, some of which come from the Mustang GT. More specifically, the brakes are from the V8-powered Mustang, while aerodynamic and suspension components have been plucked from the GT Performance Package. It all comes together to make, what Ford claims, to be the highest-performance Mustang with a four-cylinder ever for production.
Specs for the 2.3L High Performance Package are impressive. Ford claims the Mustang can get to 60 mph in the “mid-four-second range” when running on premium fuel and has a top speed of 155 mph. The pony car should also be enjoyable to drive on a track, as it has 53/47 weight distribution, a 3.55:1 limited-slip differential, and sticky summer tires.
For consumers that want even more performance from their EcoBoost Mustang, Ford is also offering an available EcoBoost Handling Package that brings semi-metallic brakes, MagneRide dampers that have been specially calibrated, and a limited-slip differential. Wider 19-inch tires, Pirelli summer tires, and thicker sway bars are included with the package, as well. The EcoBoost Handling Package is only available on EcoBoost coupes with the 2.3L High Performance Package.
On paper, the 2.3L High Performance Package for the EcoBoost Mustang is shaping up to be an incredible vehicle. By raiding Ford Performance's parts bin, Ford was able to come out with the new performance pack in just 10 months. Not only that, but the vehicle began as a project with just five people. Pricing remains to be named, but we can't imagine it being more expensive than the Mustang GT.
The most obvious competitor to this new four-cylinder Mustang is the Camaro 1LE Track Performance Package for the pony car with the four-cylinder. The Camaro's engine makes 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet claims the coupe can get to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, and, just like the new Mustang, comes with a bunch of performance parts for track days. Pricing for the Camaro 1LE starts at $30,995 (including destination), so if Ford wants to be competitive, pricing for the Mustang 2.3L High Performance Package will probably cost around that mark.
The new package will be available on both coupe and convertible body styles and is available with both a six-speed manual transmission and a 10-speed automatic. The 2020 Mustang with the 2.3L High Performance Package will go on sale this fall and will definitely add another dimension to Ford's sole car. Just don't call it a SVO or a Mustang RS.
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