Zac Quinn 
The Top Gear Test Track has played host to a vast number of fast and modified Ford Mustangs in the past. However, they have been slower around the track than the CS850R, which is Clive Sutton’s upgraded version of the CS850GT optimized specifically for track driving. The Stig has also been optimized for track driving, which makes him the perfect person to get placed behind the wheel of this fast car, and you can watch him race around the track on the Top Gear YouTube channel.
Ford Mustang CS850R: Details
CS has taken a base Ford Mustang and its 5.0-liter V8 and added a bespoke Whipple supercharger, intercooler, and active exhaust. That increases power from the standard 454 horsepower to an alarming 847 and 665 lb-ft of torque. The supercharger is exceptionally prominent in the video and a beautiful thing to listen to while watching the Mustang race around the track.
In 2007, the Shelby GT500 set a 1:30.0 lap time while the Roush Mustang upgraded that time to a 1:28.0. Meanwhile, the CS850 chops those numbers down extensively, making an impressive lap time of 1:22.3 with The Stig behind the wheel. Unfortunately, Top Gear has yet to retest the Shelby GT500 with its extensive upgrades from 2020 that would outperform the car’s time back in 2007, but maybe someday they will. They just have to get the pony car across the pond. As for the 850 pony Mustang, it looks like it’s quite the hassle to handle throughout all the turns of the track despite it being designed for it. But The Stig handles it like a champ and obtains a pretty impressive lap time.
The Stig vs. The Mustang: What’s Next?
It’ll be interesting to see The Stig get behind the wheel of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse when it comes to the market, as it’s a significant step up in performance over previous models. Surprisingly, Europe won’t be getting the 2.3L EcoBoost engine for the new Mustang, despite Europe’s heavy-handed emission laws when it comes to cars (the yachts of billionaires are a different story). That means the fourth-generation Coyote V8 will reign supreme, though the EU may see a power drop compared to the North American version, as is the case currently. Since the Dark Horse will make its way overseas, we may see it driven by The Stig.
Under the hood of the all-new Ford Mustang, Dark Horse sits the most potent Coyote V8 engine, targeting 500 horsepower. The Dark Horse also comes standard with a unique six-speed Tremec manual transmission with a standard 3D-printed titanium shift ball. The Dark Horse also gets its own unique transmission oil cooler, and there’s a 10-speed automatic option available for those that want it a little easier.
The new Coyote V8 under the hood features an innovative dual air intake box and dual-throttle body design, which minimizes induction loss by enabling higher air flow rates. Overall, it will be the most powerful Coyote-powered Mustang yet. While it won’t have 850 horsepower, someone is bound to modify the pony car (with proper authorization), and who knows just how much of a beast that’ll be around the track, especially driven by the legendary Stig.
