Manoli Katakis 
No, the Ford Mustang SVO isn’t making a return, at least not yet, but the Blue Oval will offer something mighty similar with the 2020 Mustang High Performance Package. The price could make a Mustang GT quickly seem like the better buy.
Cars Direct reported last Friday the 2020 Mustang with the new go-fast package will add an extra $4,995 to the sale price. The extra coin unlocks 20 more horsepower from the 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, shared with the Focus RS hot hatch. Buyers will find 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque on tap. The final price for the extra power comes out to $32,760 with a mandatory destination charge.
However, it’s not just about the power upgrades. Ford also touted improved and more aggressive aerodynamics, a new exhaust system with unique tuning, and an upgraded suspension.
The brand will also offer a Handling Package that swaps in 19-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires, a rear sway bar, and MagneRide damping system among other goodies. Buyers will need to first purchase the Performance Package before the handling goodies become available. All said and done, it’ll run $36,755 with a manual transmission onboard. The 10-speed automatic? Another $1,595. We’d stick with the stick.
Ford has the Chevrolet Camaro Turbo 1LE directly in its sights with this High Performance Package for the Mustang EcoBoost, even though it already has a distinct power advantage. However, the bowtie brand also offers the 1LE package with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine good for 335 hp with a load of handling improvements. The package runs $4,500 on the Camaro V6, and brings the MSRP to at least $32,490, undercutting the Ford.
At $36,725—just a few thousand more than the Mustang High Performance Package—a Mustang GT isn’t too far of a stretch from the turbo-4-powered pony car, either. With Ford holding the top spot in the sales race against the Camaro and Dodge Challenger, perhaps its pricing strategy is a way to test the market.
