Focus RS Inspired Performance Package Coming For 2020 Mustang

Ford Motor Co. aims to help compensate for the loss of the Focus RS by introducing a High Performance package for the EcoBoost 2020 Mustang.

Available this fall, the package features the same Ford Performance-tuned I-4 engine from Valencia, Spain, that powered the popular Focus RS. Ford discontinued the Focus in North America last year.

Specifically designed for the rear-wheel-drive pony car, the engine will offer 330 hp and 350 pound-feet of torque, a 20 hp increase over the Mustang's base 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder. The package also includes Pirelli tires, a blacked out grille with an off-center tri-bar pony logo, a rear spoiler and unique metallic gray stripes on the hood.

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CANADIANCOMMENTS - 4/15/2019 10:16:24 AM

-1 Boost

Another avenue could be just use 2 smaller displacement V8's. 3.0L and a 4.0L. Perhaps more in spirit with what a Mustang is and much cooler to own than a 4cyl that is boosted. Less to worry about down the line too. Just a thought...

MDarringer - 4/15/2019 10:43:16 AM

+1 Boost

Killing the V6 was a mistake for Ford. The Ecoboost offered no power advantage, but it cost more. Ford does Ecoboost so you think they are greener, but Ecoboosts often get poorer MPG in the real world than a naturally aspirated engine.

Ford needs two models to improve Mustang sales: (1) the return of a V6 and (2) an LX 5.0 (i.e. a bare bones 5.0 for $30K).

The SVO was a low point for the Mustang, so harkening back to it as if it were magic is stupid.

PUGPROUD - 4/15/2019 12:01:23 PM

+1 Boost

Ford has lost its way, floundering and leading from behind.

MDarringer - 4/15/2019 12:20:47 PM

0 Boost

Arguably, Ford has its sh!+ together much better than GM or FCA.

quizz - 4/15/2019 1:30:52 PM

+2 Boost

From "behind" whom? Tell me what car company is in the lead selling sports coupes like the Mustang? Let's review the Mustang's direct competitors:
1. Camaro
2. Veloster N? But it's not a coupe if it has 3 doors.
3. Miata? Sells lower volume and only has 2 seats
4. BMW 2-series and 4-series? Way more expensive and in a different consumer bracket.

PUGPROUD - 4/15/2019 1:32:27 PM

+1 Boost

Damn with faint praise...good one Matt

MDarringer - 4/15/2019 1:37:54 PM

0 Boost

Both GM and FCA are headed for takeover.

mini22 - 4/15/2019 2:06:26 PM

+3 Boost

This sounds like a good deal if its almost 9 grand less then a GT. Further it will probably handle better as less weight on the front wheels.

MDarringer - 4/15/2019 2:23:30 PM

+1 Boost

It's a mixed bag. The Mustang chassis can easily put the power to the pavement at the track so whatever theoretical handling advantage the EcoBoost would have is negligible. I've actually driven both back to back and the GT is definitely the one to have. Now factor in the price of a base GT vs outfitted Ecoboost. I'd go with the GT.

MDarringer - 4/15/2019 2:42:12 PM

+1 Boost

A base GT like the old 5.0 LX Mustang that was born of the cop-car special would be a better move and that could easily be done for $30-32K. Rekindling the "magic" of the SVO even if this isn't named that is dubious.

ricks0me - 4/15/2019 5:08:15 PM

0 Boost

Agree with Matt & CC. I would not want a Mustang with a 4cyl ecoboost or not ecoboost.

ggrcrash - 4/15/2019 8:27:58 PM

0 Boost

The problem is FORD is trying to sell a 35K or 50K cars with a 20K looking interiors, seriously...Yes, both engines are the shit...but unless you get premier interiors on either, the interior is just cheap feeling plastic...The 15+ year Mustangs take a crazy hit on the used car market, FORD doesn't even push leases on the GT at all. The only ones that hold their values are Shelby's, but even those have cheap looking interiors...Cars are more than just the engine, and Brembo brakes (on one axle, mind you) Geez, they didn't even give the mustang chrome tipped exhaust...Honda does it on cars half the price, but I digress. All base cars, need to have the larger infotainment system and chrome exhaust tips, and a head-up display STANDARD. All premium level cars need to have that and active exhaust, premier interiors at the least, and all the safety shit and better wheels...STANDARD. Stop the nickel and dime bullshit. Make premium, really feel like premium.

MDarringer - 4/15/2019 9:08:56 PM

+2 Boost

Actually Mustangs do quite well used. We lease GTs right and left. The GT has an upgraded interior from the base vehicle. You do know the Mustang is IRS, right? The Mustang GT is NOT a premium vehicle.

ggrcrash - 4/17/2019 12:01:10 AM

+1 Boost

You are correct, the Mustang GT is not a premium vehicle, its priced like one though, MSRP wise. I was referring to the different packages offered...called premium. I didn't say FORD doesn't lease them, they just don't offer any lease cash on them. Its almost cheaper to actually purchase them outright. (You get a better deal financing, than leasing them.) And not to split hairs, they do do well on the used car market because low mileage, fairly new ones are 50% off new ones (MSRP, that is, not how much they are actually sold for...which has been heavily discounted from the start)

mini22 - 4/18/2019 12:16:27 AM

+1 Boost

A base GT is what say 35 grand now. So there is an argument to be made for the ecoboost four if you go easy on options to get it close to 30 grand. With the extra power and exhaust that does become a decent value. No question a GT is very nice. However the way most people like to spec them out you are in the low 40's pretty quick. I think Ford is trying to spike up Ecoboost sales as that becomes a volume leader. The other point is how long is the V8 going to last on the market.If the ecoboost performance is really in the mid 4 second range 0-60 that's not much of a sacrifice then to the V8.