The hottest factory Ford Mustang in Australia, the R-Spec, is on its way out of production, with Ford Australia and Herrod Performance announcing this week the last units are on their way to dealers.
Just 500 examples of Australia’s supercharged Mustang have been produced, priced from $99,980 before on-road costs – $36,000 more than the manual-equipped Mustang GT V8 on which it’s based.
Ford says a “limited number” of Mustang R-Specs are now available in dealerships, so get in quick.
“Enthusiasts who are looking for the ultimate Mustang Fastback should look no further than the supercharged R-Spec,” said Kay Hart, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.
“We’re proud of all the work that’s gone into bringing this genuinely local Mustang to enthusiasts. Ford and Herrod Performance have together responded to a passionate customer base, who were looking for a range-topping, individually numbered model that has a unique place in Mustang history.”
Ford and Herrod Performance temporarily cut back production of the Mustang R-Spec in recent months amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing the company to produce 200,000 face shields for Australian frontline healthcare workers.
After completing the run of PPE production, the company returned to full-speed production of its supercharged Pony, with the final run of vehicles already completed and shipped to dealers across Australia.
“With the final batch of Mustang R-Specs soon to reach dealers, we want to thank our loyal customers who waited patiently for their vehicles to arrive and are now able to enjoy them on the open road,” said Rob Herrod, Director for Herrod Performance.
“The enthusiasm for this special car, and the passion put into the entire project, is a testament to the Mustang fan-base in Australia.”
The most powerful Mustang to be offered in Australia is headlined by a Ford Performance supercharger with a 2.65L capacity and 12PSI of boost, also including an aluminium intercooler and full-face radiator fed by a model-specific larger front air intake.
Herrod Performance has fitted a unique exhaust system with active valves – offering Quiet, Normal, Sport and Race Track modes toggled via the steering wheel.
Ford Australia doesn’t officially quote power and torque figures for the R-Spec, though the same supercharger kit is available in the US and claims to bump power and torque to a stonking 522kW and 830Nm – up from 339kW and 556Nm in the naturally-aspirated Mustang GT.
There’s also no 10-speed automatic option, as the R-Spec is only available with a six-speed manual. Enthusiasts rejoice.
Other enhancements include a 20mm lower ride height courtesy of firmer Ford Performance springs, bolstered by standard MagneRide adaptive suspension.
A Ford Performance handling package brings adjustable stabiliser bars, which are 37mm (+5mm) at the front and 25.2mm (+3mm) at the rear, which the company says improves control and agility.
Finally, new Ford Performance alloy wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres ensure added grip and reduced rolling resistance, measuring 19 inches in diameter and a staggered 9.5-inch front and 10-inch rear width.
For reference, that’s 0.5mm wider front and rear compared to the standard GT wheel and tyre package.
Despite the upgrades, the Mustang R-Spec continues to be backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty backed by both Ford Australia and Herrod Performance.
