Don’t let anyone tell you different: A turbo-four under the hood of an S550 Mustang is a very good thing.
- Car(s): 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with EcoBoost High Performance and Handling Package
- Location: Angeles National Forest, CA
- Photog: Peter Nelson (IG + Twitter: @16vPete)
- Camera: Canon 6D, EF 50mm 1.8 AF
Granted, it’s not as great as a Shelby, or as theatrical as any trim equipped with the 5.0-liter V8. But what the EcoBoost Mustang lacks in cylinder count it makes up for in front-end weight. Or, rather, lack thereof. And when it’s an EcoBoost Mustang equipped with Ford’s EcoBoost High Performance Package and EcoBoost Handling Package (say all that five times fast) it makes up for its lack of big power immensely.
The car is transformed into a taut, quick-turning dream on tight, twisty roads. It slices through them with so much ease and speed, and thanks to the very likable turbo motor under the hood, it has no problem leaping out of a corner exit and onto the next set of corners.
Sure, the turbo runs out of steam high in the revs and the engine isn’t as thrilling as a big V8. But it’s still a nice powerplant and has a pleasant, baritone growl from the factory. The forced-induction four-cylinder will still push zero to 60 in the five-second neighborhood, too. Apparently, a tune can quite easily make these cars even wilder.
Also: big props to Ford for making the Grabber Lime color a no-cost option. Somebody’s definitely doing the Lord’s work in ensuring car colors stay interesting. People in my neighborhood would hate me for it, but that’s how I’d equip one.
