Ford Mustang California Special Driving Experience
Introduction
Today, we delve into an iconic symbol of the automotive world, particularly in the realm of American muscle cars. This symbol is the Ford Mustang. For a truly remarkable driving experience, we tested the California Special edition.
History of the California Special
The California Special story began in 1968, when 20% of Mustang sales in the United States were generated from California. Consequently, Ford dealers in the state requested a unique model tailored for their customers. This led to the creation of the California Special, a Mustang inspired by the Shelby model. Fast forward to 2017, and we have this modified version of the historic car, derived from the Ford GT.
Exterior Design
The California Special can be easily recognized by:
- The Mustang emblem with three stripes.
- A fully blacked-out front grille.
- Stylish accents on the front and sides.
- A rear wing in black featuring the GT California Special badge.
While some Mustang enthusiasts may not appreciate the recent design changes, I believe it remains a striking car on the road.
Interior Design
Inside, there’s a dedicated panel reminding you that this is the California Special, with a sporty ambiance created by features such as:
- Leather and suede sports seats.
- Seats that provide exceptional stability.
- Round air conditioning vents.
- Buttons inspired by aircraft controls.
I hope Ford considers upgrading the lightweight plastic materials used in the car to higher-quality options.
The rear seats lack adequate space, making them uncomfortable for children.
Technological Specifications
This edition is equipped with impressive features, including:
- Ford's SYNC 2 entertainment system.
- Navigation system with rear sensors and camera.
- Automatic climate control and adaptive cruise control.
- Various driving mode settings.
It would have been beneficial to include a front camera and sensors for easier vehicle control.
Driving Experience
If you’re a fan of autocross and speed through corners, the Mustang might not be your ideal car. However, on straight roads, the driving experience is exceptional.
The California Special features a 5-liter V8 engine that produces 415 horsepower and a torque of 530 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
Conclusion
With its rich heritage, the Ford Mustang has built a loyal following over the years. For the California Special version, priced at 225,000 AED, I would prefer to spend an additional 30,000 AED to acquire the Shelby version instead.
