The 2020 Mustang is available as a fastback or as convertible, with one of four engines. The base engine is an EcoBoost 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder. More powerful Mustang GT variants are powered by a 5.0L V8. The top-of-the-line engine is a 5.2L V8 powering GT350 and GT500 models. The EcoBoost makes 310-330 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 engine in the GT makes 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft. The GT350 is rated at 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft while the beastly GT500 produces a whopping 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. In other words, the Mustang is fast in all of its forms. All vehicles can be mated to either a standard 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission minus the Shelby variants. Adjustable driving modes such as Normal, Snow/Wet, Sport and Track allow drivers to custom-tune the responsiveness of the Mustang to the driving task at hand. Fuel economy on the EcoBoost is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the 5.0 V8 returns 15 mpg and 25 mpg, respectively.
There are several trim levels for the fastback: EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium, GT and GT Premium, GT500 GT350 and GT350R. The convertibles simplify things by only offering EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium trims.
The EcoBoost Mustang's standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, a 4-way manual adjustable driver's seat, 50/50 split-folding rear seat, a 6-speaker sound system, the SYNC3 infotainment system, active noise cancellation and an "intelligent" key.
The Ecoboost handling package adds MagneRide suspension, an upgraded Limited slip differential, stiffer spring rates, a thicker rear sway bar and 265mm Pirelli P Zero tires.
The EcoBoost Premium trim adds dual-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors, additional exterior lighting, heated and cooled leather front seats with six-way power-adjustability for the driver, and a 9-speaker stereo with SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility.
The Mustang GT and GT Premium come similarly equipped to the EcoBoost trims, though of course GT models are powered by the fire-breathing 5.0 V8 engines rather than the fuel-sipping 4-cylinder turbo. Several performance options and packages are available, including a range of rear axle ratios, several wheel choices and Recaro sport seats. A California Special Package adds 19-inch ebony wheels, ebony suede seat inserts with red stitching, special door panel inserts, an aluminum dashboard finish and more.
The Shelby GT350 and GT350R variants use a special flat-plane crankshaft that allows its big V8 engine to rev to over 8,000 rpm. It's a special engine, using technology normally found in high-end supercars. Usually, a larger V8 means lots of torque lower in the rev range, but a compromised ability to make power at higher rpm. With the Shelby GT350, there are no such compromises. The GT350 also has standard magnetic shocks, a more aggressive exterior package and various interior badges.
Mustang packages include a Performance Package, for both the EcoBoost and GT. It offers a Torsen limited-slip differential, 19-inch wheels, an aluminum instrument panel, gauge pack, heavy-duty front springs and larger brakes, a bigger radiator and unique chassis tuning. The Pony Package adds different 19-inch wheels, unique upper grille and Pony logo, a side stripe and bright trim at the beltline and around the window. Finally, the Premium Plus Package upgrades with color-accented leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12-inch LCD digital display, a center console with hand stitching and more.
Mustang Mystique
Powerful Engines
Sporty Handling
Improved Fuel Economy
Modernized Styling
Available As A Convertible
The Mustang returns for 2020 with a few additions to its normal lineup including A new Ecoboost handling package that adds sportier suspension, tires and 265mm sway bars similar to the GT PP. The performance package now bumps Ecoboost peak horsepower to 330. The big news however is the new GT500 makes its debut this year. This new GT500 is powered by a supercharged version of the GT350's 5.2L flat crank V8 engine, has unique body paneling and hood styling but best of all the GT500 makes an astounding 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. The lonely shifter option is 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission means manual transmission enthusiasts are left out but Ford claims a sub 3 second 0-60 mph with 10 second quarter mile passes.
The 2020 Mustang may still have one of the most recognizable names in the automotive world, but with its current design, it's far more than just a pretty face and a familiar name. The Mustang represents one of the best value propositions for buyers who just want the fastest car for their money. Popularly, there has been a "slow" Mustang and a "fast" Mustang. The current Mustang does away with the slow Mustang. Now there are "fast" Mustang models and "even faster" models. The Mustang starts at under $26,000, a price that undercuts most of its less powerful rivals, such as the Subaru BRZ. Even when optioned out beyond the $40,000 mark, the Mustang still represents a tremendous performance value.
