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2022 Ford Mustang price and features detailed: Pricing up for Nissan Z, Chrysler 300 SRT rival as Ford adds California Special edition

The California Special is a badge that dates back to the first-gen Ford Mustang from the mid-1960s.

Ford’s Mustang sports car gains a new California Special package as part of a 2022 model year update due in the second quarter of 2022 that also ushers in a price hike across the range.

The coupe and convertible are still offered in 2.3-litre turbocharged High Performance guise as well as the flagship 5.0-litre V8 GT.

Pricing has increased by $1100 for each grade and the line-up now kicks off from $52,590 before on-road costs for the manual High Performance Fastback (coupe). The auto-only High Performance Convertible is now $61,890.

The GT starts from $65,290 for the Fastback manual and tops out at $75,990 for the Convertible.

Opting for the California Special adds $2000 to the price and it’s available if you buy the GT Fastback manual ($67,290), auto ($70,290) and Convertible ($77,990).

The California Special goes back to the first-generation Mustang from the mid-1960s and Ford has brought it back for the model year update.

Essentially, it’s a body pack that adds a retro GT/CS side stripe from the front fender to the rear render scoop, and black and red GT/CS badging on the tailgate lid and on the grille replacing the pony badge.

Like the GT on which it's based, the California Special features the larger front splitter from the US-spec GT Performance Package, as well as unique five-spoke 19-inch painted machined wheels.

Inside the California Special features suede trimmed seats with GT/CS embossed logo, contrast red stitching and suede door trim inserts. A CS badge is also found on the passenger side of the dash and instrument panel features carbon hex aluminium inserts.

Ford Australia told CarsGuide the California Special will be available for the 2022 Mustang in limited numbers, but didn't specify exactly how many.

There are no mechanical changes to the California Special, or the Mustang generally for the 2022 model year.

Ford has also updated the Track Apps software to now include Line Lock function for track work. This will be offered as standard with all 2022 Mustangs.

Two new colours have been added to the Mustang palette – Mischievous Purple and Eruption Green – while Ford has deleted Yellow Peel, Antimatter Blue, Velocity Blue, Twister Orange and Iconic Silver for model year 2022.

The Mustang’s 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine pumps out 224kW/441Nm and the 5.0-litre V8 delivers a cool 339kW/556Nm.

If you’re after something even more powerful, the Mustang Mach 1 ups the performance to 345kW/556Nm and is priced at $83,241 for ether the six-speed manual or 10-speed auto. However, Ford Australia said the allocation of 700 Mach 1s had been all but exhausted.

Despite the fact it’s nearing the end of its life, Mustang sales have remained steady in Australia. To the end of November, Ford has sold 2757 Mustangs, representing a 6.5 per cent increase.

With a 56.2 per cent share, it is the best-selling model in the sub-$80,000 sports car segment by some margin.

2022 Ford Mustang pricing before on-road costs

VariantTransmissionCost
High Performance FastbackManual$52,590 (+$1100)
High Performance FastbackAutomatic$55,590 (+$1100)
High Performance ConvertibleAutomatic$61,890 (+$1100)
GT FastbackManual$65,290 (+$1100)
GT FastbackAutomatic$68,290 (+$1100)
GT ConvertibleAutomatic$75,990 (+$1089)