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FORD MUSTANG R-SPEC IS A GREEN CAR WE CARE ABOUT

It Is, Literally, Green, So…

Ford Mustang R-Spec

We’re told that the inevitable “green car” title wave is just around the corner. Never mind that we’ve been told this for over a decade now, the rhetoric remains to be: “they’re coming! Just you wait!” Today, the green car movement may have scored a small victory, as the limited-edition Ford Mustang R-Spec has been revealed in a vibrantly verdant Grabber Lime. Green car? Yes. Very.

However, under the hood of the Ford Mustang R-Spec is not the stereotypical lawn mower engine strapped to a battery pack. Instead, it’s the Ford Coyote 5.0L V8 strapped to a 2.65L Roots-type supercharger running 12 psi of boost. Ford partnered with Australia’s Herrod Performance to created the Mustang R-Spec. And while output wasn’t specified, Herrod offers a Roush-sourced 2.65L supercharger upgrade for the Mustang GT in Australia currently. Power output for that package in particular comes out to a Hellcat-rivaling 700 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque. It’s not quite 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 territory, but that output would still have the Mustang R-Spec firmly in the “hell-raiser” category. Out back, a special Herrod Performance Exhaust turns the volume up (or down) with Quiet, Normal, Sport and Race Track settings.

Beyond the engine bay, the Mustang R-Spec rides on Ford Performance springs that make the car sit 20 millimeters lower than a stock Mustang GT, and they’re supplemented by Magnetic Ride Control dampers. Special stabilizer bars, which are adjustable, are 5 millimeters bigger in front and 3 millimeters larger in the back compared to stock. Meanwhile, a highly adhesive set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires are tasked with keeping the shiny side up.

The Ford Mustang R-Spec can be identified visually thanks to its front fascia with larger intakes, stripes and its black accents. And, aside from Grabber Lime, it also comes in Velocity Blue, Oxford White, and Twister Orange.

However, for us Americans, the Ford Mustang R-Spec is off limits. Limited to just 500 units, the R-Spec is for the Australian market only. Pricing is to start at $99,980 AUD ($67,471 USD) and deliveries begin in early 2020. Then again, considering that Ford decided against exporting the S550 Mustang Shelby GT500 to markets like Australia and Europe, the Aussies need to have it.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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