Detroit 2010: Ford Mustang GT California Special Debuts in Detroit
Ford hasn’t released any details on the new 2011 Mustang GT California Special, but we stumbled across it tucked away in a back section of the Ford booth at the Detroit Auto Show. We have to say the new grille and logo up front look great, as does the California Special body kit, which includes a matte-black front splitter, as well as a rear spoiler and racecar-like rear diffuser. In addition, the California Special gets GT/CS decaling. The wheels appear to be a new design, included as part of the package as well, and we expect a few interior trim options to be included.
For 2011, the California Special gets Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter V8 with it 412-hp at 6500 rpm and 390 ft-lbs of torque at 4250 rpm. The new engine is an all aluminum unit with four valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams and gets Ti-VCT variable independent timing on both the intake and exhaust cams. Available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, the 2011 Mustang GT delivers improved performance and fuel economy, with Ford claiming a four to five percent increase in that department for an estimated 25 mpg on the highway and 17 mpg in the city, up from 23/17 on the current GT automatic model. Manual transmission models will get 24/16 mpg (highway/city)
GALLERY: 2011 Ford Mustang GT California Special
With AutoGuide from its launch, Colum previously acted as Editor-in-Chief of Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine where he became a certifiable car snob driving supercars like the Koenigsegg CCX and racing down the autobahn in anything over 500 hp. He has won numerous automotive journalism awards including the Best Video Journalism Award in 2014 and 2015 from the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). Colum founded Geared Content Studios, VerticalScope's in-house branded content division and works to find ways to integrate brands organically into content.
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I have owned a lot of cars in my life but the new Ford Mustang GT/CS Convertible with a 6-sp transmission is my best purchase yet. An incredible performance and value! Torque, ride, comfort, electronics, all are improved to perfection. Simply put it's great fun to drive. Can't wait to get behind the wheel any chance I can get. As you can see, I'm thrilled to own and drive one!
Has anyone been able to get their hands on the Ford GT California Special? I swear I had seen one at the dealership here in Austin, TX (http://www.covertford.com/) but I haven't been able to get back recently. Please reply if you've had the luck of seeing or driving this new model from Ford.