By Matt Bird \/ Tuesday, 31 October 2023 \/ Loading comments<\/p>\n
If this new S650 generation is the final Ford Mustang as we know it – i.e. with a standard V8 and manual gearbox – then it\u2019s going out in spectacular fashion. The Dark Horse is already very good, the incredible GTD promises a huge amount, and now there\u2019s this: a Ford Performance Parts supercharger kit, which will boost power for the 5.0-litre GT from 480hp to \u2018at least 800hp\u2019. At least! With a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty from the factory. Talk about awesome. <\/p>\n
The upgrade comprises a 3.0-litre, sixth generation, twin-screw Whipple \u2018charger, an intercooler, an \u2018oversized\u2019 heat exchanger, high flow injectors, billet high flow fuel rails, a larger (92mm) throttle body, a 120mm dual air intake system with new filters and something called a Tomahawk V2 flash tool that\u2019s capable of data logging. It is compatible with all 5.0-litre Mustang GTs. So if the owner of an automatic cabrio wants at least 800hp, then the door is open to them. Ford says the supercharger is tested to its normal durability standards, and is compliant with the notoriously strict California Air Resources Board \u2018when installed by a dealer or ASE-certified technician\u2019. As if it wasn\u2019t tempting enough. The petition for UK approval kicks off now\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Ford Performance supercharger kit means more power and more excitement for Mustang owners,\u201d said product manager Michael Goodwin. \u201cWith at least 800 horsepower, this Ford Performance option takes the already-powerful Ford Mustang GT to an extreme level that should satisfy even the most demanding driver.\u201d Sounds good to us. For US customers, the supercharger will be available to order early in 2024, so there ought to be a price soon enough. A Dark Horse kit is in development, too. Like we said, going out in style. <\/p>\n
A warrantied, 800hp Mustang isn\u2019t the only interesting vehicle at the Blue Oval\u2019s SEMA stand in 2023. There are a pair of Ford Performance ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) packages for the Ranger and Bronco. The former in particular sounds of interest for UK customers given broadly the same pick-up is sold here as in the US. Ford says it has targeted \u2018the overlanding space\u2019 with the new equipment, which includes beefed-up suspension, new bumpers with extra recovery points, an onboard air compressor, SOLIA lights and a fridge freezer. So there\u2019d be no need to return home, well, ever. <\/p>\n
Given its remit, there should be no shock to discover the Ford Performance Bronco ORV kit is even more serious. It gets a two-inch Bilstein lift kit, 35-inch off-road tyres and a high-clearance Borla cat-back exhaust. Don\u2019t be surprised if a lot of the serious off-road folk with Broncos take Ford up on that. <\/p>\n
Finally, it\u2019s worth mentioning the Ford Vinyl Wraps that have also been launched at SEMA. Again it\u2019s unclear what, if anything, will make it to the UK, but given that the Mustang is one of the models included we remain hopeful of some additional customisation possibilities over here. After all, what\u2019s a \u2018Stang without stripes? There\u2019ll even be an online preview available to ensure exactly the right decision is made. That feels like an easy win for customers here – just like that supercharger, in fact. We\u2019ll keep you posted.<\/p>\n