Ford Teases the Return of a Classic Badge on the Latest Mustang

Are you excited to see what’s next for the Mustang?

Ford boss Jim Farley has given a sneak peek of the upcoming Mustang with a shadowy grille displaying a GT/CS badge, paying homage to the iconic California Special appearance package that has been a part of the Mustang’s history since 1968. But what can we expect from this revived badge?

Ford boss Jim Farley recently took to X, formerly Twitter, to tease the return of a classic badge on the upcoming Mustang. In a tweet accompanied by a photo of a shadowy grille featuring the GT/CS badge, Farley wrote, “Can’t wait to show you what’s next for Mustang…”. This clear nod to the California Special appearance package hints at the revival of this iconic feature that has been sporadically offered on the Mustang since 1968. So, what can fans expect from this latest iteration of the California Special?

The previous California Special, which was offered on previous Mustang models, boasted unique badging and a heritage-inspired side stripe that added a touch of nostalgia to the iconic muscle car. It also featured a performance rear wing for the fastback variant, giving it a more aggressive and sporty look. While the convertible version of the California Special didn’t come with a spoiler, both body styles were equipped with distinctive 19-inch painted machined wheels, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal.

Inside the previous California Special, drivers were greeted with additional touches of luxury and exclusivity. The cabin featured an instrument panel finished in carbon hex aluminium, along with black suede door trim inserts. The seats were made of suede material with an embossed logo and red contrast stitching, elevating the interior design and providing a premium feel to the driving experience.

When it comes to performance, it is expected that the new California Special will share the same powertrain as the Mustang GT. This means a 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated Coyote V8 engine will be under the hood, delivering an impressive 347kW and 550Nm of torque. Drivers will have the option to choose between a six-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, allowing for a personalized and engaging driving experience.

As for pricing, the 2024 Mustang GT, which will likely serve as the base for the California Special, starts at $77,002 in Australia (excluding on-road costs). This price point positions the Mustang GT as a high-performance yet accessible option for enthusiasts who crave the iconic Mustang experience.

With the return of the California Special badge, Ford is offering Mustang fans an opportunity to own a piece of history while enjoying modern performance and design. Whether it’s the nostalgic appeal of the unique badging and heritage-inspired side stripe, or the exhilarating power and driving dynamics provided by the Coyote V8 engine, the California Special promises to deliver an unforgettable Mustang experience.

So, gear up and get ready to experience the revival of a classic as Ford prepares to unveil the new California Special Mustang. Are you excited to see what’s next for the Mustang?

• Ford is bringing back the California Special appearance package for the latest Mustang
• The previous California Special featured unique badging, a heritage-inspired side stripe, and performance rear wing
• It is expected that the new California Special will share the same 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated Coyote V8 engine as the Mustang GT
• The 2024 Mustang GT has a starting price of $77,002 in Australia

The return of the California Special badge on the latest Mustang is an exciting development for fans of this iconic muscle car. With its unique badging, heritage-inspired design elements, and powerful V8 engine, the California Special promises to deliver a thrilling and nostalgic driving experience. With a starting price of $77,002, the 2024 Mustang GT offers an accessible entry point into the world of high-performance Mustangs. Stay tuned for the official unveiling of the new California Special and get ready to embrace the spirit of the past with a modern twist.