2023 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT California Special Auto

The basic design of the 6th-gen Ford Mustang may be about a decade old, but in California Special trim, it turns heads like few other contemporary cars can. Finished in Atlas Blue paintwork and riding on striking grey 5-spoke 19-inch wheels (that remind us much of those fitted to the Bullitt), the California Special also features numerous visual upgrades to distinguish it from “lesser” Mustangs…

These include a broad, blacked-out honeycomb grille with a small red GT/CS logo, a purposeful front splitter, Shelby-inspired side scoops and a prominent rear wing from the GT Performance Package. At the rear, four 4.5-inch exhaust outlets signal the fitment of an Active Valve performance exhaust system.

There are no “shouty” go-faster stripes on this Fastback’s bonnet or roof and an absence of extreme aero addenda… in fact, the California Special looks quite stealthy, but suitably “macho” nonetheless.

Inside, the changes are not as obvious, although we did appreciate the heated and ventilated front seats, which are partially upholstered in Miko suede – a synthetic material made from recycled polyester. Red stitching and GT/CS badging on the seats and floor mats are specific to this derivative and the fascia is finished in Carbon Hex aluminium trim. A California Special badge on the dashboard is the final touch.

If you’ve been in a 6th-gen Ford Mustang, then the rest of the California Special’s cabin will be familiar, with decent build quality (seems better made than the earlier Mustangs we tested) and the Sync3 touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dashboard design has definitely aged in areas, as is to be expected, but comfort levels are good (more on that later!).

The sound

Under that long bonnet sits the familiar naturally-aspirated “Coyote” 5.0-litre V8 that pumps out 330 kW and 529 Nm of torque. Starting the car is always an event – it barks into life quite loudly before settling into a steady idle. I only found out about the Quiet Start or so-called “Good Neighbour” mode after the fact… It limits the exhaust sound upon start-up, something that my neighbours would have appreciated!

The California Special’s motor is mated exclusively with Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission and drivers can toggle between several drive modes; they are: Normal, Sport, Track, Drag and Snow/Wet.

Cruising Comfort

To reiterate, the Mustang is not the sharpest driving tool, even though it features a limited-slip diff and the firm’s MagneRide continuously adjusting damping system. But, for what it lacks in cornering poise, it makes up with a surprisingly comfortable ride quality on just about any surface you’re likely to encounter.

Trade in accepted
In house finance available
Delivery nationwide

Reference ; 40KEUSDR150414