We’re spending this week with the 2020 Mustang EcoBoost with the 2.3L High Performance Package (HPP) – the one that replaces the EcoBoost Performance Pack available in prior model years.
Our model starts out as an EcoBoost Premium Convertible before getting the optional HPP. It’s coated in Oxford White with an Ebony leather-trimmed interior with Alcantara accents.
The Mustang EcoBoost with the 2.3L High Performance Package is powered by a special variant of the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine rated at 330 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Shifting duty is done via a six-speed manual transmission, and power is sent to the rear wheels – as is the case on all S500 Mustangs.
As it sits, the model retails for $44,215.
We’ll have this drop-top pony for a week, so if you would like to know more about it beyond the spec sheet, ask your questions in the comments section below, and we’ll reply in a timely manner as part of our interactive review.
Ready… set… go!
Subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Mustang news and around-the-clock Ford news coverage.
Comments
Would you lease post a video of the exhaust sound, both at idle and under acceleration? Thanks, I’ve been curious how it compares to the standard Ecoboost and V8.
Yup, will record it today. Should have something by the end of the week.
Until then, I will say this: it does sound good. It’s no V8, but it’s a good-sounding four.
How does this Mustang engine differ from the engine in the Ranger.
Tom
There are technically three engines at play here:
1. 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 in the Ranger, which we can call the “regular” version of this engine. It makes 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
2. 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 in the Mustang EcoBoost, which is a higher performance variant of #1. It makes 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque.
3. 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 in the Mustang EcoBoost with the High Performance Package, which is an even higher performance version of #2. It makes 330 horsepower (at a higher RPM than engine #2) and 350 pound-feet of torque (with 90 percent of peak torque available between 2,500 and 5,300 rpm, which is 40 percent wider than engine #2).
Mechanically, the difference between engines #1 and #2 is the inclusion of high-pressure block and heads, delivering a different compression ratio (10.0:1 vs. 9.5:1, respectively).
The difference between engines #2 and #3 is the addition of a high-tensile strength liner and a high-strength cast aluminum head, resulting in a compression ratio of 9.37:1. Engine #3 also has a slightly larger twin-scroll turbo, revised calibration and a larger radiator.
How does the MT82 manual transmission perform. What is your impression? Would you buy the 6 speed in this car?
Personally, I like the MT82 in this car. It does its job, and I’ve yet to experience any issues with it, shifting, sound, or otherwise. I also like the feel of the gate and shifter, both feel solid and precise.
Forgot to answer the second part of your question: yes, I would get the six-speed in this car without hesitation. I know that some have had some issues with the MT82, leading to some legal action. But as far as my personal experience goes, I’ve not had a single issue.
For some more context, my daily driver is a C7 Corvette Grand Sport with the 7-speed manual and I prefer the shifting feel and performance of the 6-speed in the Mustang.
Is this worth the additional expense over a typical Mustang EcoBoost and would you rather have a GT at that price point?
There’s roughly a $3,500 difference between a base Mustang EcoBoost Premium with the 2.3L HPP ($37,520 Coupe / $43,020 Convertible) and the base Mustang GT Premium ($41,075 Coupe / $46,575 Convertible). Note that the base GT Premium doesn’t have active exhaust, so that’s another $900 that the HPP includes, so adding the active exhaust to the GT increases the difference to around $4,500.
Other things to consider:
– The EcoBoost doesn’t have Rev Match, even as an option, but the GT gets it standard.
– Optional packages are needed to get the Torsen limited slip diff on the HPP and on the GT.
So now the question is, does $4,500 make the GT worth it? For me, the answer is yes because that 5.0L Coyote is really good. However, there are many factors at play here, so I’m not sure if everyone will feel the same way. The EcoBoost with the HPP is a very formidable package, I’ll tell you that. It feels fast and it sounds good… and being $4,500 cheaper can be an added bonus for many.
I have a 2020 Mustang EcoBoost 2.3L HPP. The Chassis number is L0718 written on a plate on the dash. What does this number stand for? Someone told me the vehicle is a limited production car. How many will be manufactured?
The dash plaque is the build number for HPP mustangs. Ford was going to build up to 10,000 HPP engines/cars but they probably made less than 2,500. I have #1088 and my mustang was built in February 2020, halfway through the build year. Throw in the fact that I heard Ford had stopped production around May points toward around 2000 total.
Thank you for the reply. Guess it became even more of a limited production!
Slightly o/t ……… As a Corvette owner, which would choose ? The C8 w/Z51 or, the upcoming Mach 1? The C8 is mid engined for the first time, w/o a manual. As I would option a Mach 1 with the handling pkg, it would be close to a 1LT, Z51 w/mag ride in price. I should note I am a long time Corvette owner. Starting with the C1 and just sold my ’17 Z06 (dumb on my part) 🙁
Michael
As a new owner of a 2020 HHP 10-speed automatic, I am really impressed, and I just came from my 500HP supercharged 2014 V6. The handling is fantastic and even kept up with a WRX – he got me on launch due to that 4-wheel drive – listening Mustang? Anyway, very happy and lots of fun – and yes, the handling package is well worth it.
I’m interested in the 2.3 HPP convertible but disappointed that the handling package is not available for that model. How would you compare the ride and handling between the Fastback and convertible . Any word on future production of 2.3HPP convertibles offering handling package, possibly in 2021.
I am 73 yr old kid . I had corvette 2007 ls2 z51 and a 2013 gs ls3 z52 the vetts are gone .They lost the driving fun .It was easy to travel at 4700 rpm 6 gear on empty highways. Speed = stress and stress – fun of driving . So I Special ordered Mustang 2.3l fastback with 2.3l HPP 10 speed trans oxford white and wrapped the top black and tinted the windows so all look the same. It has a tag on the dash HIGH PERFORMANCE 2.3L CHASSIS #L 2008. the car is faster than my 69 camaro 4 sp.It still is breaking in with a1000 miles .Getting on the highway no effort its a ready willing with a 63mm. Turbo. Its hard to believe its a FOUR BANNGER . and in sports mode its handles like its on a track!!!! love to send a pic.of car and window sticker .FORD BUILT A HOT ROD “.FORD HAD A BETTER IDEA”THE HPP pkg is worth $4995 price try it you love this Mustang
One thing to remember about the 2020 mustang 2.3l hpp 330hp its front end weight is lighter by 250 lbs. than the V8 motor some testers claim. And it is a V8 BODY AND TUNED GT SUP. / BRAKES .
GT Body Is part of the $4995 If you want to drive a different car beats insurance cost .And be able to get into the gas without loosing the rear . Living in PA. and Mts. roads driving a 10 speed trans. paddle shifter the SOUND OF OPEN exhaust . Its a FORD factory HOT ROD Put the Fun back in driving for me.!
How many High Performance Packages were made for 2020 just out of curiosity
Hello everyone
Just Bought a 2020 2.3L HPP fastback
Carbon grey fresh off the line
As I am still new and trying to figure out more about my mustang as the badge says L1110 born January 27 2020
I’m trying to figure how many were in production plus trying to figure this key /fob and the thumb print on the door handle.
Many thanks
Hi I have a 2020 white 10 speed special ordered 8/14/2020 L-2008 THIS IS A FAST FUN CAR TO DRIVE !
My 2020 mustang hpp chassis plate number is L0001. Does that mean I have the first one made? The first one that’s grabber green?
No one has been able to give me an answer on this yet but it seems pretty significant. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Alex, Great article. My 2020 HPP badge is L1747 and we love it. 10 speed trans question. RPMs at cold start are factory set at about 1250. If you shift into reverse at that RPM, there is a hard “grab” on the gear and you better have the brake pedal down firm. If you wait for the engine to settle to about 900 RPM, the shift into reverse is normal, no jerk. Should I have this checked by a dealer? We are still under 3yr/36k warranty.
What is better than the first Mustang ? The second after I had a run in with a heard of deer an totaled it walked away unhurt after getting side ways on D/side door on a mt. road. Ordered a carbon gray met, 2.3l hpp 10 speed 101a pkg $2600 handling pkg. $19952.3l hpp $6150 with magneride,19×9.5 265x40x19 pirelli hope to have the new22 Mustang by Oct. Factory RACECAR