With the soon to be launched 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 primed to re-establish itself at the top of the pecking order in Ford’s stable, Dearborn has turned its attention downmarket, and focused on addressing a noticeable void between the base EcoBoost four cylinder and the V8 powered GT models. Channeling some 80’s inspired magic into its creation, the company has unveiled the final result, the 2020 Ford Mustang High Performance Package.
Paying tribute to the long gone SVO model which appeared during the decade that featured the rise of Madonna and the Nintendo Entertainment System (but sadly not reviving the fabled moniker for 2020) this package is all about giving four cylinder owners some extra spice under the hood. While the 330 horsepower on tap falls just shy of the 350 horses wielded by the retired Focus RS hatchback, it is a nice 20 horsepower bump over the 310 offered by the standard EB Mustang.
Along with the engine transplant, Ford engineers also infused the model with select components from the higher range GT’s performance package including the suspension, brakes, and the front splitter. Not a bad end result for what Ford openly admits was initially an effort to “just transplant an RS engine into a Mustang.”
So how does the High Performance package measure up when all is said and done? Alot better than many would expect, with Ford claiming that it allows the four cylinder Mustang to make the sprint to 60 mph in the mid 4.0 second range, with a top speed of 155 mph. More importantly, the 350 lb-ft of torque on tap allows the High Performance package to have a more flexible range of power delivery than both the standard model, as well as the Performance Package equipped EB Mustang.
The real secret however is found in the suspension technology, with the High Performance Package debuting an all new EcoBoost Handling Package. This optional extra adds the GT’s MagneRide suspension, a beefier rear swaybar, a 3.55:1 rear axle ratio, wider wheels, and stickier Pirelli P Zero Corsa4 summer tires. Look for this to enhance the car’s track manners especially when paired with its lighter curb weight. Recent spy photos also confirmed that the new model will offer the GT’s active quad tip exhaust system that can be both neighborhood friendly, and hoon friendly with the flip of a switch.
The 2020 Ford Mustang High Performance package is scheduled to make its way to Ford dealerships this fall, with final pricing and other key details expected to be unveiled closer to its NYC debut.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.