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CALIFORNIA SPECIAL RETURNS FOR 2019
MUSTANG, PLUS ENTHUSIAST UPDATES INCLUDE REV-MATCHING, B&O PLAY AUDIO
SYSTEM AND NEW COLORS
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California Special returns with a new
limited-edition design package for 2019 Mustang GT fastback coupe and
convertible models that commemorate visual cues of the 1968 original while
celebrating modern Mustang performance and style
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Legend of innovation continues with
addition of rev-matching technology for powerful 5.0-liter
6-speed-equipped Mustang GT that ensures smoother, more spirited
day-to-day driving with an accessible manual mode for enthusiasts;
class-exclusive quad-tip fully variable active valve performance exhaust
added for EcoBoost®-powered Mustang
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First-ever B&O PLAY audio system for
Mustang is customized to the acoustics of the interior to deliver an
impressive 1,000 watts of power through a 12-channel speaker system and
connectivity to SYNC® 3
Click on an image below to view
DEARBORN, Mich., March 12, 2018 – America’s
favorite sports car gets even more style and technology for 2019 thanks to
the revival of the legendary Mustang GT California Special, new features
including rev-matching on 5.0-liter 6-speed manual-equipped models, the
first-ever custom-tuned B&O PLAY premium audio system for Mustang, three
new vintage-inspired colors and over-the-top stripes.
“No doubt, 2019 is an exciting year for Mustang enthusiasts, especially
fans of our California Special and BULLITT models,” said Corey Holter,
Ford car group marketing manager. “This year further targets hardcore
enthusiasts who want even more performance from BULLITT, while new
technology – including rev-matching on manual transmission-equipped
Mustang GT and active valve performance exhaust on the EcoBoost® model –
means even more thrills.”
California dreaming
When Mustang first hit the streets in 1964, owners clubs sprang up around
the country, with many regional dealers creating their own personalized
pony car designs. One – inspired by the 1967 Shelby GT notchback coupe
prototype – came to be called the California Special.
That original version featured blacked-out grille, fog lamps and a side
racing stripe that ended ahead of a new rear fender scoop. It wore a
Shelby-inspired spoiler, custom taillamps and twist-lock hood fasteners.
Impressed, Ford put a limited number of California Special cars into
production for 1968. Before long, the California Special had joined the
ranks of Shelby, Boss and Mach 1 special-edition Mustangs.
Today, the 2019 California Special for Mustang GT is a visual standout,
featuring a trademark fading stripe that traces from the 5.0 side badge to
the rear fender scoop. A signature Ebony Black and Race Red script
California Special badge adorns the trunk lid. At the front, the car
follows the blacked-out open grille and picks up the Mustang Performance
Pack 1 splitter. The California Special wears unique five-spoke painted
machined wheels.
Inside are rich black Miko® suede-trimmed seats with embossed GT/CS
insignia and contrast red accent stitching, along with custom embroidered
GT/CS floor mats. Signature California Special script badging appears on
the passenger-side dash panel.
“Few things are more satisfying than dropping the top on a California
Special and taking a drive down the majestic Pacific Coast Highway,” said
Mark Conforzi, Ford designer. “This signature design takes its cues from
the original California Special, while enhancing the personality of
today’s Mustang.”
Rev-matching to level the field
Mustang GT’s powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine packs 460 horsepower and 420
lb.-ft. of torque and tops out at 155 mph.* When that torque gets
delivered to the pavement via 6-speed manual and available Performance
Package, you better hold on, because that’s where rev-matching gives
Mustang drivers a leg – or a heel and a toe – up.
Advanced rev-matching helps smooth out shifts by first predicting shifts
then quickly matching engine rpm – similar to the heel-and-toe methods the
pros use. On downshifts, engine rpm instantly kicks up to smooth out the
transition between gears.
Sensational B&O PLAY audio
Like Ford Mustang, Bang & Olufsen is an innovator in both iconic design
and heart-racing performance across its line of audio products. And now,
for the first time, the B&O PLAY audio system comes to Mustang with a
stunning 10-channel amplifier producing 1,000 watts across 12
high-performance speakers.
Customized to the car’s interior environment, sound engineers tuned the
B&O PLAY audio system to take both the static and dynamic states of
Mustang into account to elevate the senses regardless of driving
conditions. B&O PLAY audio connects to the optional SYNC® 3 system, which
allows Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Active valve performance exhaust now available on EcoBoost models
When the class-exclusive quad-tip fully variable active valve performance
exhaust hit the streets for Mustang GT for 2018, critics and customers
alike raved over the deep throaty sound of the 5.0-liter V8 engine. What
took everyone by surprise was its driver-controlled, fully active exhaust
mode and quiet start mode, also known as good neighbor mode.
Now, a fully variable active valve performance exhaust brings an
aggressive snarl to 2019 Mustang equipped with EcoBoost. This
class-exclusive quad-tip exhaust system can be controlled by the drive
mode system or via personalized MyMode settings with the 12-inch
all-digital LCD instrument panel, as well as through the standard 4.2-inch
cluster.
More personalization than ever; new colors
Mustang enthusiasts now have more opportunity to personalize their car
than ever before, with exciting new vintage-inspired colors including
Velocity Blue, Need for Green and the iconic BULLITT model’s exclusive
Dark Highland Green.
“These intense new colors trace back to Mustang’s classic colors of the
late 1960s and early 1970s,” said Holter. “While colors like Shadow Black
and Magnetic Gray will still be popular for those who prefer to go
stealth, these new colors pack a brighter, more vibrant punch for 2019.”
The 2019 Mustang goes on sale this summer.
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