Manoli Katakis 
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.
