Supercharged 'R-Spec' Mustang set for 700hp
That's not a V8. This is a V8
The end of Holden production in Australia has apparently had no impact on its great rival's desire to provide the country with thumping great V8 muscle, as is evidenced by the introduction of a seriously hairy-chested Mustang. Co-developed by esteemed Aussie tuner Herrod Performance, the R-Spec is - according to an insider PH spoke to - on course to produce 700hp from a supercharged version of Ford's 5.0-litre V8, which would make it 241hp better than the Mustang Bullitt, 50hp better than the Camaro ZL1 and, ehem, 65hp better than the most powerful car Holden's ever produced. Crikey!
To achieve this monumental gain in power (and an anticipated 612lb ft of torque, we should add), the V8 - which is naturally-aspirated as standard - is force fed by a positive displacement supercharger with a 2.65-litre capacity and 12psi of boost. Ford promises "greater, smoother throttle response, drivability and engagement for a potent yet refined, comfortable daily-driver characteristics". We don't doubt it. And it gets better: the uprated unit drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.
If luminous green paint of the pictured car, bespoke R-Spec 19-inch alloys and a new rear wing weren't enough of a signal, the new model will vocalise its added Australian-muscle via a Herrod performance exhaust system, which allows for more deep-throated decibels alongside the accompanying high-pitched soundtrack of an enormous blower. It's not all hooligan, however, because the exhaust can be switched through several modes, including a more docile Quiet setting. The cabin also comes kitted out with extra standard kit, including Ford's highest-level Sync3 infotainment tech and the top-spec B&O sound system, making the R-Spec somewhat plush, too.
The first cars will arrive in showrooms at the start of 2020, by which time the exact power output for the motor will have been confirmed. Whatever the final number, Ford will provide a five-year, unlimited mileage warranty, so even if it falls short of the 700hp mark by a few clicks, we suspect few will complain. In fact, given that the Mustang R-Spec will cost just $99,980, equivalent to just £55k of Her Majesty's money, we think all 500 (yep, it's limited run) will be snapped up rather quickly. If only they'd make one for the bloody Poms.
Search for a Ford Mustang here
The best reason yet for getting the f
k out of Europe with their wky emissions regs !1. Australian emissions regs are pretty much a copy/paste of EU regs - albeit a few years behind, they're too small a market to be making their own rules up. The same will be true of the UK, if you think the government is going to step back our current emissions regs and/or not simply copy new EU regs, you're in for a shock, even if they do, no manufacturer is going to make a UK specific emissions system for their vehicles instead of simply shipping an EU compliant car to the UK.
2. The Australian Mustang emissions system is exactly the same as the EU/UK mustang emissions system, GPF, Cats, the lot.
3. This is a Ford sanctioned dealer special so absolutely no reason why this couldn't be done in the UK currently - see Steeda or Roush who will give you similar power levels from the current Mustang in a brand new car package authorised by Ford and MOT compliant, it would not need to go through stricter, type approval tests.
Like it or not, the EU will still be deciding what emissions equipment you need on your UK car for many years to come.
Sorry for the rant, but I see comments like yours all the time and it winds me right up.
The best reason yet for getting the f
k out of Europe with their wky emissions regs !1. Australian emissions regs are pretty much a copy/paste of EU regs - albeit a few years behind, they're too small a market to be making their own rules up. The same will be true of the UK, if you think the government is going to step back our current emissions regs and/or not simply copy new EU regs, you're in for a shock, even if they do, no manufacturer is going to make a UK specific emissions system for their vehicles instead of simply shipping an EU compliant car to the UK.
2. The Australian Mustang emissions system is exactly the same as the EU/UK mustang emissions system, GPF, Cats, the lot.
3. This is a Ford sanctioned dealer special so absolutely no reason why this couldn't be done in the UK currently - see Steeda or Roush who will give you similar power levels from the current Mustang in a brand new car package authorised by Ford and MOT compliant, it would not need to go through stricter, type approval tests.
Like it or not, the EU will still be deciding what emissions equipment you need on your UK car for many years to come.
Sorry for the rant, but I see comments like yours all the time and it winds me right up.
My comment was tongue in cheek
.The best reason yet for getting the f
k out of Europe with their wky emissions regs !
1. Australian emissions regs are pretty much a copy/paste of EU regs - albeit a few years behind, they're too small a market to be making their own rules up. The same will be true of the UK, if you think the government is going to step back our current emissions regs and/or not simply copy new EU regs, you're in for a shock, even if they do, no manufacturer is going to make a UK specific emissions system for their vehicles instead of simply shipping an EU compliant car to the UK.
2. The Australian Mustang emissions system is exactly the same as the EU/UK mustang emissions system, GPF, Cats, the lot.
3. This is a Ford sanctioned dealer special so absolutely no reason why this couldn't be done in the UK currently - see Steeda or Roush who will give you similar power levels from the current Mustang in a brand new car package authorised by Ford and MOT compliant, it would not need to go through stricter, type approval tests.
Like it or not, the EU will still be deciding what emissions equipment you need on your UK car for many years to come.
Sorry for the rant, but I see comments like yours all the time and it winds me right up.
Emissions regs and requirements in the UK will not change once we are out of the EU.
excellent car though, 700 bhp and a manual gearbox must be quite an experience
The best reason yet for getting the f
k out of Europe with their wky emissions regs !https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/3...
"Australia lags behind the rest of the world in setting vehicle efficiency standards, with most countries in the OECD adopting policies to reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of cars.
Road to nowhere: why Australia lags behind in electric vehicle revolution
Read more
The ministerial forum on vehicle emissions was set up under the Turnbull government in 2015, and stakeholders are frustrated at the lack of progress.
Fact sheets produced by the government that set out how it intends to reach Australia’s emissions reduction targets under the Paris agreement suggest any policy on vehicle emissions standards has been abandoned."
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff