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2024 Ford Mustang GT California Special: Old-school fun

Is it too early to dream of summer? The California Special package returns for the 2024 Mustang GT Premium fastback coupe and convertible models, celebrating visual cues of the 1968 original, only this time around the signature color is a very modern Rave Blue complemented with black. Rev up that advanced, 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, and remind yourself that warmer weather is just around the corner.

The California Special package features eye-catching Rave Blue details. The signature color appears on the nostril intakes, which flank a new horizontal-slat grille complete with low-gloss black strakes. The headlights are surrounded by black bezels, while Mustang GT California Special-specific graphics in Medium Light Rave Blue and high- and low-gloss Black appear on the lower body sides.

The fourth-generation 5.0-liter delivers the most naturally aspirated horsepower of any Mustang GT thanks to an innovative dual air intake box and dual-throttle body design that helps minimize induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates.

Ford has saved the manual transmission for a new generation, and the 5.0-liter V8 continues to offer a standard six-speed manual transmission for customers who want an uncompromised connection to eight-cylinder power. Ford's advanced 10-speed automatic transmission is available, and it almost instantaneously reconfigures its shift patterns to match the selected drive mode.

The GT's driver can quickly adjust steering effort, engine response, and transmission and electronic stability control settings through six available Drive Modes to create the perfect Mustang at any time. These are Normal, Sport, Slippery, Drag, and Track, plus a customizable setting with up to six individual profiles, tailored to the driver's view ahead of them. As each mode is selected, high-fidelity graphics in the digital instrument panel bring the mode to life.

Mustang GT is available with an optional Performance Pack, which adds a host of track-focused features, including a front Tower Brace, Torsen Limited Slip differential and optional MagneRide active suspension, wider rear wheels and tires, and larger, 390-mm front and 355-mm rear Brembo brakes. The GT Performance Pack adds brake ducts for even more enhanced cooling and a standard auxiliary engine oil cooler. Performance Pack also offers optional Recaro seats and active exhaust.

Mustang GT with manual transmission includes standard rev-matching that helps hold engine RPM when the clutch is engaged. This retains peak torque between manual gear changes, delivering even more precision, thrill, and better refinement.

Quicker steering ratios and minimal compliance from steering wheel to tire significantly enhance the car's cornering dynamics, with increased straight-line power.

A segment-first electronic drift brake takes new technology to the racetrack, unlocking the rear-wheel-drive drifting capability of Mustang with the visual appeal and functionality of a traditional, mechanical hand brake. The Performance Electronic Parking Brake comes standard with the Performance Pack on all Mustang models, engineered for novice drivers to learn and improve their drift skills while also providing expert drivers with a competition-ready system.

The Mustang GT comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 features, including Speed Sign Recognition, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering Assist, Evasive Steer Assist, and Reverse Brake Assist. Another key feature is Active Pothole Mitigation, included with the Performance Package, which continually monitors suspension, body, steering, and braking input and adjusts suspension response accordingly.

The California Special package is available with two 19-in. wheel options. The standard Carbonized Gray wheels have a GT/CS pad-printed logo in Rave Blue, while the optional Performance Pack wheel combines a machined face with Rave Blue pockets. The 5.0-liter engine badge on the front fenders and the GT badge at the back add Rave Blue outlines to black centers -- like the GT Performance Package, there is a Performance Pack-specific badge. The GT/CS badge in the grille is also finished in Rave Blue.

Blue accents are prominent throughout the California Special package's interior, where perforated Navy Pier upholstery and Ebony Black leather covers the seats. Further elevating its style is dual-color contrast stitching with Raptor Blue and Metal Gray threads that extend to the dash and doors. The same stitching is also available for the steering wheel and center console. A California Special IP badge and GT/CS floor mats round out the interior changes.

The California Special package adds $1,995 to the price of a Mustang GT Premium, which starts at $47,015 for the Fastback and $52,515 for the convertible. Learn more at ford.com/cars/mustang/.

Source: Ford Motor Co.

Published December 2023

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