Turbo-four Ford Mustang updated, renamed High Performance

Ford has announced some key details of the 2020 Mustang High Performance 2.3L which is slated to offer a sportier drive than the current Ecoboost but retain its fuel-sipping abilities. 

The 2020 Ford Mustang High Performance, as the turbo four will now be known, receives a revised 2.3-litre turbocharged four cylinder that produces 236kW/448Nm, a 12kW and 7Nm increase over the current Ecoboost model thanks to a larger 63mm turbocharger. Ford is claiming a flatter power and torque curve, with 90 percent of the maximum torque being produced between 2,500-5,300rpm, and power holding stronger to the 6,500rpm redline.

The high performance engine puts power down better due to a shorter final drive and revised gear ratios that should make the High Performance easier to keep on the boil. The High Performance Mustang can (thankfully) still be optioned with a six speed manual in the fastback body, though the convertible is only available with the 10-speed torque-converter auto. 

To suit the new High Performance nomenclature, the 2020 model has received suspension revisions which include thicker front and rear anti roll bars, and a new suspension tune with optional magnetic dampers. To complement the suspension tweaks Ford have specified the Mustang with sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres which should give an additional handling edge.

The High Performance isn’t all about going fast, though. Ford have increased the capacity for customisation, with new ‘heritage’ colours and more generous standard equipment. With “bold colour choices” available, the ‘Twister Orange’ hero colour pictured is certainly striking. Borrowing the Mustang GT’s grille and splitter along with unique bonnet vents makes this four cylinder more aggressive looking than ever.

The High Performance has several updates inside, with a 12.4-inch digital dashboard, and 8.0-inch in-dash colour display with Apple Carplay and Android Auto as standard. An analogue boost pressure gauge is present, and the standard leather sports seats can be optioned to Recaros for additional lateral support.

The 2020 High Performance comes standard with AEB, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and active cruise control as standard. Ford is offering a capped-price servicing program for the new High Performance Mustang, at a maximum price of $299 per logbook service for the first four years or 60,000km. 

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but we can expect the High Performance to start somewhere above the outgoing Ecoboost models, in the vicinity of $51,000 for the fastback, and $61,000 for the convertible. The High Performance will be landing in Australia in February 2020 and should offer a compelling combination of handling capability and everyday use.