2019 Ford Mustang GT California Special

Ford started crafting Mustangs in 1964. The models became quite popular in their maiden year and shortly after; buyers began modifying their models as they wished.  Design houses like Shelby also entered the bandwagon.  Shelby versions, however, become the most famous; they are even today.  Other versions were also built such as the California Special which Ford began building after loyal Mustang buyers petitioned the automaker to do so when the dealer version became very famous (The first CS was a dealer special version; that was created in 1967: it derived inspiration from the “Shelby GT notchback coupe prototype”. Ford built the first factory version of the California Special in 1968. After a long hiatus, Ford brought back the California Special in 2007 and since then the automaker has been releasing it after every upgrade on the Mustang GT. For 2019, the CS gets an appearance package based on the 5.0 L, Mustang GT. This means there are no powertrain upgrades. The 2019 Ford Mustang GT California Special is exclusive to the convertible version of the Mustang GT.

2019 Ford Mustang GT California Special Exterior and interior styling

For 2019, the California Special only gets a visual makeover. It retains its signature fading stripe that begins at the “5.0 side logo” and stretches rearwards, blacked-out open grille, special 5-spoke painted machined rollers as well as the Mustang’s current Performance Pack 1 splitter. The model can be had in vintage exterior colors: Need for Green and Velocity Blue.

In the cabin, the convertible features suede-trimmed seats in a rich black hue along with embossed GT/CS badges on the headrests. The seats also feature an attractive red contrast stitching. The doormats. also feature customized GT/CS badges. To honor the original California Special, the new model features unique script badging on the dash panel on the passenger’s side. Also, Ford has equipped he CS with a 1000-watt, 12-speaker B&O premium audio system.

Engine and performance

The 2019 Ford Mustang GT California Special is powered by the same engine as the Mustang GT it is based on i.e. the 5.0 L, V-8 that comes good with 460 hp and 420lb-ft of torque. If you want a more powerful special GT you can consider the recently released Mustang Bullit which offers an extra 15 hp but the same amount of torque. The California special gets a 6-speed manual gearbox with active rev-matching for smoother shifts; there is also an option for a 10-speed automatic system. The California Special like the standard 5.0 L, V-8 powered Mustang GT has a maximum speed of 155 mph.

Price and release date

The 2019 Mustang GT and other special versions will go on sale this summer just in time to fly down the highways, rooftop down, and the summer sun hitting your head while the wind gushes past your face. Pricing details will be communicated later.  Reports from Ford indicate that the automaker plans to launch a new Shelby Mustang GT500 early next year; the new model engine will have an output of over 700 hp.