California Special Badge Returns for S650-generation Ford Mustang

Ford has reinstated the California Special suffix in its S650-generation Mustang. Differentiating features include elements, such as a bespoke colour scheme and model-specific design elements that can be found across the exterior and interior.

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“The original California Special package was geared toward California’s optimistic and carefree driving culture. We’re refocusing on those elements for the 2024 Mustang GT California Special, which brings vibrant style that looks as at home on Colorado Boulevard as it does on the Pacific Coast Highway. Rave Blue is such a distinct and exciting colour, it really does make the California Special stand out not only from other Mustang models, but from previous California Special models.” – Mustang Brand Manager Joe Bellino.

The latest rendition of the California Special, which adds roughly R38 000 atop the GT’s price tag, features several visual distinctions that help it stand out from the growing lineup of S650-generation Mustangs in Ford’s fleet. Most notably, the new California Special wears a litany of Rave Blue design elements. The nostril air intakes are one such element wearing the distinctive blue, which flanks a horizontal-slatted grille accentuated by low gloss black stripes. Additional exterior styling elements include the headlights surround finished in Medium Light Rave Blue, Carbonised Grey 19-inch wheels with the GT/CS logo in Rave Blue, a Rave Blue engine badge and a Rae Blue GT/CS grille-mounted badge.

“Mustang has a rich well of special edition models to draw from, and we’ll continue to reinvent them for a new audience. From the track-ready Dark Horse to the world-beating Mustang GTD, Ford is elevating the Mustang for all audiences. The new, modern Mustang GT California Special is a perfect example of our drive to build a Mustang for every customer.”

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Changes to the interior include perforated Navy Pier upholstery, and Ebony Black leather seat covers aided in visual appeal by the dual-colour contrast stitching.

Ford hasn’t mentioned adding any performance upgrades in the new