2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost

If you’re looking for the most powerful 4-banger in an American sports car, you’ll find it in this week’s Quick Spin, the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost with the new 2.3-liter High Performance Package. 

Although, this was an international effort, as this 2.3 EcoBoost I4 engine comes from Ford Performance in Spain; and is a unique version of the power-plant found in the Focus RS. At 330-horsepower, output is up 20 over the standard EcoBoost Mustang; and its 350 lb-ft. of torque, are spread across the curve in a much broader fashion. 

It helps get this Mustang to 60 in the mid-4 second range, and tacks another 10 miles-per-hour onto the top speed, which is now 155. You can pair it with either the 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic. 

“So we’re out here driving along the coast of Northern California, and even thought the scenery is beautiful, all eyes are on the Mustang; these 2.3-liters with the high performance package are a great deal of fun to drive, the 10-speed especially with the automatic transmission; it keeps the car in peak torque the entire time throughout the gearshifts, and it makes it an absolute blast to drive.”

Also part of the package is a strut tower brace and heavy duty springs to stiffen things up front, as well as larger sway bars front and rear. 

The power steering gets recalibrated; and there are software updates for drive modes. 

19-inch wheels with summer performance tires are added, with the Mustang GT’s brakes just behind; and in back, a 3.55 limited slip rear.

Aero treatments and black trim for the body; and aluminum trim, as well as additional gauges for the interior, rounds out the package. 

The 2.3-liter High Performance Package adds just $4,995 onto any EcoBoost Mustang, which of course starts around $28,000.