A Closer Look at the 2020 Mustang 2.3L High Po Package
Higher performance, low cost, with more fun!
Car
Last year Mustang buyers had two choices if they had less than $50K to spend. They could get the base four-cylinder EcoBoost, or move up to the healthy GT with its roaring 460 hp V-8. Sadly, those who wanted more performance than the economy four, but at less money than the eight-cylinder were left out. Well no more. For 2020 Ford has introduced the 2.3L performance package. It offers more zip for less dough and is nice looking too.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
Engine
The base 2.3 liter four puts out 310 horsepower and 350 lbs./ft of torque. This 2.3L Performance version has the same torque rating but boosts H.P. up to 330. This is hooked to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Their 10-speed automatic is not offered at this time as it defeats the retro image being presented here. Fuel economy is claimed to be 20/28 mpg, with 23 average. Not mentioned is the fact that super-premium rated at 93 octane must be used to generate the advertised horsepower. This engine can run on the lower 87 octane if needed, but power will drop drastically, and so will fuel economy. We ran a tank of this to see what would happen, and highway fuel economy dropped from 27 mpg to 21! Stick to 93 or 91 premium blends where possible.
Emblem
Buyers of the 2.3L get this emblem mounted outside so onlookers will know you spent the extra dough. In addition to the souped-up motor, this option includes larger wheels, hood-mounted air scoops, front air dam, rear trunk lid-mounted spoiler, and a loud exhaust so they can hear you coming.
Tailpipe
The exhaust gets a separate tailpipe for each cylinder and an increased decibel level. It will not fool anyone into thinking there is a V-8 under the hood but gets more attention than the standard system.
Wheels
The optional wheels are 19-inch with all-season performance tires. The Mustang logo is in the center to remind onlookers what you are driving.
Cabin
The gauge cluster is nothing exotic but is simple and easy to read a Mustang tradition.
Headlights
In spite of the small size, the headlights perform well in the dark. On high beam, the illumination was excellent out to 300 feet. The low beam setting went out past 200 feet.
Price
This Mustang was the first off the assembly line so it does not have a price sheet as it is intended for staff and VIP drivers. However, the base four-cylinder EcoBoost starts at $26,670. We ordered this car with the 2.3L package and no other options, known as a "stripper" in the industry. That means no leather trim, stereo, sunroof, or other fluff, just the performance package which adds about $5K extra. Thus the total tab with shipping comes to $33,335. That is far cheaper than the GT V-8, and at a price, anyone can afford it.
Car from rear
Ford will sell plenty of these 2.3L Mustangs as they allow more driving pleasure at a reasonable cost. It's good looking too!
For help with service and mods on your Mustang, visit the how-to section of our sister site MustangForums.com