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2022 Ford Mustang California Special Revealed With Updated Appearance

Several weeks ago, Ford Authority photographers spotted what appeared to be a 2022 Ford Mustang California Special driving around with new exterior touches. Now, the updated package has officially debuted, and aside from the cosmetic changes, buyers can now pair it with the GT Performance Package, a change that enables pony car shoppers to combine its unique stylistic elements with more concrete enhancements. The updated package joins the Ice White Appearance Package and Stealth Edition Appearance Package for the upcoming model year changeover.

2022 Ford Mustang

The latest iteration of the California Special Appearance Package channels aesthetics from the original model, specifically with its blacked-out grille, rear fender scoop, and side racing stripes. The latter element runs almost the entire length of the 2022 Ford Mustang, in contrast to the outgoing version, and the new GT/CS logo is now Race Red too. That logo gets a similar treatment on the trunk lid and is also featured as a badge embedded on the honeycomb grille. A new set of five-spoke 19-inch wheels join the fray, and all California Special models gain the front splitter from the GT Performance Package. For the cabin, the 2022 Ford Mustang California Special will once again feature Miko suede door and seat trimmings, along with the trademark carbon hex aluminum instrument panel.

Perhaps the bigger news for California Special enthusiasts is the expanded equipment offering that The Blue Oval decided to pair with the package. For the 2022 Ford Mustang, the Special can be paired with the GT Performance Package, a staple of the pony car lineup that enables buyers to get substantial upgrades without having to step up to the Mach 1 or Shelby GT500. The package comes with a plethora of highly desirable equipment including:

  • Brembo six-piston front brake calipers
  • unique chassis tuning
  • heavy-duty front springs
  • upgraded tubular sway bar
  • lower ride height
  • strut tower brace, front subframe V-brace
  • Torsen limited-slip differential
  • unique stability control and electronic power steering tuning
  • staggered 19×9-inch front and 19×9.5-inch rear wheels paired with Pirelli summer tires

Despite the new upgrades, the 2022 Ford Mustang California Special remains just as accessible as before, being available on GT Premium coupe and convertible. Order banks are slated to open later on in 2021, with deliveries expected to take place in the first quarter of 2022.

We’ll have more on the 2022 Ford Mustang soon, so subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Mustang news and continuous Ford news coverage.

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Ed owns a 1986 Ford Taurus LX, and he routinely daydreams about buying another one, a fantasy that may someday become a reality.

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Comments

  1. FINALLY, Ford doesn’t make many of its best version and appearance packages exclusive from the Performance Package. Why this took so long is a mystery.

    Reply
  2. So just like the Californians themselves, the CS appearance package adds some non-functional plastic surgery to a vehicle that’s prettier naturally, in addition to some other details for getting more attention. It can be paired with the gym membership (performance package) but the CS itself is all show and no go. Not knocking Ford. Their job is to make money. Good thing they have a market of posers willing to shell out.

    Reply
    1. oh my gosh, this is so hilarious, but true!!

      Reply
  3. The all show / no go comments just don’t get it.

    Heavy duty brakes + Suspension upgrades + lower ride + Torsen + Chassis bracing = much improved track manners / and performance. If you’re NOT a poseur and ACTUALLY want to get all the “go” a modern V8 Mustang is capable of, the only place to do so legally and safely is a race track.

    On the other hand, HP boost is just the thing for poseurs and Youtubers who think they are ‘performance driving’ by flooring the gas pedal in a straight line for 3 seconds than immediately jumping on the brakes for fear of Johnny law writing them a ticket.

    Reply
    1. You’re talking about the performance package. The CS is an appearance package. It can be paired with the performance package, but on its own it is an aesthetics package. All show, no go.

      Reply
      1. With or Without a Performance package the 5.0 Coyote is all show and go period. Clearly you haven’t driven this machine with a V8

        Reply
        1. The intent of the comment was that the California Special package itself adds no more “go” and only “show” to a car that’s already beautiful to begin with. Obviously the Coyote is a great mill. Thought this was clear, but I didn’t take into account the poor critical reading skills of some users here.

          Reply

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