Ford Adds Appearance, Performance Packages To 2022 Mustang Lineup

Ford is adding two packages to its Mustang lineup for 2022. The first is an all-new appearance package, while the second is a performance-oriented update.

First-Ever Stealth Appearance Package

Mustang will debut a first-ever Stealth Appearance Package available for the EcoBoost® Premium model. At the same time, a Mustang GT California Special will offer, for the first time, a GT Performance Package option.

"Since 1965, Mustang has been synonymous with performance and play, and the 2022 model year continues that call with the new Stealth Edition and an updated Cali Special," said Jim Owens, Mustang brand marketing manager. "Mustang owners have always loved personalizing their ride, and these new flavors of Mustang are ready to inspire and excite new enthusiasts."

Meantime, Ford's premier electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E, is the first EV approved for police use. Ford's Mustang Mach-E approved for police pursuit use.

Orders for the 2022 Mustang, including Stealth Edition and California Special, will open later this year. Vehicles are due in showrooms in the first quarter of 2022.

Adding even more style to the 310-horsepower turbocharged Mustang EcoBoost Premium model, the available Stealth Edition Package stays true to the model's name, giving customers a more menacing-looking fastback with uniquely blacked-out appointments.

Stealth Appearance Package Features

The Stealth Edition Appearance Package features 19-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, black pony badges, performance rear wing, black mirror caps, and new clear LED taillamp covers, also shared with the new Mustang Ice White Appearance Package. Unique new interior appointments include a matte and gloss black instrument panel badged and sill plate.

"The black accents really give the car a whole new persona, sinister and sporty all at once," said Owens. "Naturally, the package needed the right name. Stealth Edition says it all."

The Stealth Edition is available in Atlas Blue, Carbonized Gray, Dark Matter, and Shadow Black.

Since the first-generation Mustang, the California Special has represented a uniquely regionalized appearance package with unique styling cues. The updated 2022 Mustang GT California Special embodies this tradition.

California Special Appearance Package

Based on the 2022 Mustang GT Premium fastback and convertible models, the latest California Special Appearance Package pays homage to the original version's blacked-out grille, side racing stripes, and rear fender scoop.

The heritage-inspired "GT/CS" side stripe trademark traces from the front fender to the signature rear fender scoop. A California Special badge in Black and Race Red script adorns the trunk lid, while the honeycomb grille with the "GT/CS" badge provides a unique look. A larger front splitter from the GT Performance Package underscores the icon's handling prowess.

A performance rear wing from the GT Performance Package is available for the fastback model, while spoiler delete is standard for the California Special convertible. The California Special wears 9-unique five-spoke 19-inch painted machine wheels. Under the hood, the special edition features a signature strut tower brace with California Special badge atop its 5.0-liter V-8 engine.

Interior appointments include rich black Miko® suede-trimmed door inserts and suede-trimmed seats with the embossed "GT/CS" logo and red contrast stitching, along with the custom embroidered "GT/CS" floor mats. A carbon hex aluminum script badge with signature a California Special script badge completes the passenger side.

GT Performance Package Available

The GT Performance Package is now available as a California Special-first, enabling more incredible handling and drying dynamics for the most-capable California Special ever.

The GT Performance Package adds an array of performance and handling features that include:

• Brembo six-piston front brake calipers
• Unique chassis tuning with heavy-duty front springs
• Larger tubular rear sway bar
• Overall lower ride height
• K-brace
• Strut tower brace
• Front subframe V-brace
• TORSEN® limited-slip differential
• Unique stability control
• Electric power steering tuning
• Staggered 19X9-inch front tires
• Staggered 19X9.5-inch rear tires
• Pirelli summer tires to enhance the handling grip

The California Special is available in Atlas Blue, Carbonized Gray, Cyber Orange, Dark Matter, Grabber Blue Metallic, Iconic Silver, Rapid Red, Shadow Black, and Oxford White.

Marc Stern has been an automotive writer since 1971 when an otherwise normal news editor said, "You're our new car editor," and dumped about 27 pounds of auto stuff on my desk. I was in heaven as I have been a gearhead from my early days. As a teen, I spent the usual number of misspent hours hanging out at gas stations Shell and Texaco (a big thing in my youth) and working on cars. From there on, it was a straight line to my first column for the paper, "You Auto Know," an enterprise that I handled faithfully for 32 years. Not many people know that I also handled computer documentation for a good part of my living while writing YAN. My best writing, though, was always in cars. My work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, and others. You can follow me on: Twitter or Facebook.