The iconic Ford Mustang is back for 2022 and brings with it a new California Special edition model, which starts from $67,290 before on-road costs for a manual V8.
The Mustang is due to follow other Ford Performance products such as the Fiesta ST and Focus ST and will launch in Australia in the second quarter of 2022.
The 2.3-litre Ecoboost four-cylinder and 5.0-litre V8 both return for 2022 and are the two engines available in the Mustang lineup.
The 2022 California Special will join the Australian Mustang range
The new California Special trim is limited only to the V8 and can be had in coupe and convertible guises.
Pricing starts at $52,590 for a base 2.3-litre High Performance manual and runs right up to the $77,990 5.0-litre California Special.
All Mustangs carry a price increase of around $1000 compared to 2021.
Engines and performance
Opening the Mustang range is the 2.3-litre Ecoboost turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine which produces 236kW of power and 448Nm of torque. It’s based on the 2.3-litre unit found in the most recent generation Ford Focus RS that was discontinued in 2018.
The Mach 1 remains the most powerful Mustang from Ford Performance
The second available engine in the range is the 5.0-litre V8 which produces 339kW of power and 556Nm of torque, and is available on all GT branded cars.
The Mustang Mach 1 kicks things up a notch with slightly more power, pushing the V8 to 345kW but torque remains the same at 556Nm. This slight power increase is due to larger 87mm throttle bodies, an open air induction system and an intake manifold shared with the Shelby GT350.
Mustang California Special confirmed for Australian release
The biggest change for the 2022 Mustang range is the addition of the new California Special model, which adds mainly cosmetic changes to the otherwise stylish Mustang.
The California Appearance package includes a blacked-out grille, accent stripe and rear fender scoop.
Plenty of CS branding lets you know this is a special edition Mustang
Like the Australian-spec Mustang GT on which it is based, the California Special is fitted with a larger front splitter from the US-spec GT Performance Package, while there are unique five spoke 19.0-inch alloy wheels at each corner.
On the inside, black suede door trims and suede covered seats with embossed logos and red contrast stitching are all available over a standard Mustang GT. The instrument panel is finished in carbon hex aluminium with a signature California Special script on the passenger side.
Standard Mustang specification
All Mustangs come standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, satellite navigation, active exhaust system, 19-inch alloy wheels, LEd headlights, tail lights and fog lights, 12.0-inch digital driver cluster, leather upholstery, keyless entry, B&O sound system and adaptive cruise control.
California Special models receive trim branding and red stitching
For 2022, Ford is introducing the line-lock track function (basically a burn-out mode to get the tyres warm) which was previously only available overseas.
Several options are available including Magneride suspension ($2750), Recaro seats ($3000, for fastback only) and forged alloy wheels ($2500, GT only).
Safety, warranty and service
The Ford Mustang has a three-star safety rating according to ANCAP based on testing conducted in 2017.
All 2022 Mustangs come standard with AEB, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist and front, front-side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags.
Look out for the CS badges on Australian roads in 2022
All 2022 Mustangs require to be serviced every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
Mustangs come standard with five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. Capped price servicing of $300 per visit is also available.
Ford Mustang 2022: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- 2.3L High Performance manual: $52,590
- 2.3L High Performance auto: $55,590
- 2.3: High Performance auto convertible: $61,890
- 5.0L GT manual: $65,290
- 5.0L GT auto: $68,290
- 5.0L GT auto convertible: $75,990
- 5.0L California Special manual: $67,290
- 5.0L California Special auto: $70,290
- 5.0L California Special auto: $77,990
