Ford Unveils Updates for 2019 Mustang Including California Special and New Audio System
Ford have revealed a few styling and technology upgrades for the Mustang as it enters the 2019 model year, including the legendary Mustang GT California Special model, new features including rev-matching, a custom tuned audio system and three new vintage-inspired colours.
When the Mustang was released back in 1964, many regional dealers began creating their own personalized Mustang designs one of which was inspired by the 1967 Shelby GT notchback prototype came to be called the California Special. The original car featured a blacked out grille, fog lamps and a side racing stripe that ended ahead of a new rear fender scoop. A Shelby-inspired spoiler was featured as were custom taillamps and twist-lock hood fasteners. Impressed with this version, Ford decided to put a limited number of California Special cars into production for the 1968 model year and before long the car had joined the ranks of other special-edition Mustangs including Shelby, Boss and Mach 1. Now for 2019, Ford are bringing back the California Special which will boast a trademark fading stripe, signature California Special badge, a blacked out grille and a Mustang Performance Pack 1 splitter. Unique five-spoke wheels are also included as are rich black Miko suede-trimmed seats embossed with GT/CS insignia and red accent stitching. Additionally, the Signature California Special script badging also appears on the passenger-side dash panel.
Now, on to the newly available rev-matching which is available for Mustang GT models with the 5.0L V8 engine that pushes out 460 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque and 6-speed manual transmission. The advanced rev-matching system will help smooth out shifts by predicting shifts then quickly matching rpm which mimics the heel-and-toe methods professional drivers use. On downshifts, the engine rpm instantly increases to smooth out the transition between gears.
The aforementioned custom-tuned audio system was provided for Ford by Bang & Olufsen (B&O) who have utilized a 10-channel amplifier that produces 1,000 watts across 12 high-performance speakers. The B&O PLAY audio system is able to connect to the optional SYNC 3 system which allows for Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Another update for 2019 includes the addition of the variable active valve performance exhaust system to 2019 Mustangs equipped with the EcoBoost engine option. This technology, which was introduced last year for the Mustang GT, allows users to control the sound profile for their car using the drive mode system or via personalized MyMode settings.
Finally, Ford have introduced three new vintage-inspired colours for the Mustang including Velocity Blue, Need for Green and the iconic BULLITT model’s Dark Highland green. The 2019 Ford Mustang will be on sale in the summer of this year.
