Ford Gives the 2024 Mustang the California Special

The Ford Mustang has seen a lot of special trims over the years, but the one that seems to just keep coming back is the California Special and, surprise, it’s back for 2024.

Not a performance upgrade, the California Special is an appearance package that can be optioned on your brand new Mustang 5.0. That’s the GT, as you know, hence the abbreviation “GT/CS.”

We’ve seen many GT/CS before, and the 2024 variant stands apart with unique “Rave Blue” accents. This contrast color is used to highlight the grille’s “nostril” intakes, bookending a new horizontal-slat design akin to previous GT/CS models. The trim-specific graphics feature the blue accent, as do the “5.0” and “GT” badges. The wheels may be the most standout feature, though; both options are 19-inches, with the regular set finished in carbonized gray with a printed blue logo, whereas the Performance Pack wheels come with a machined appearance on the face and Rave Blue in the pockets.

As you can guess, the blue trimmings carry over into the interior. The GT/CS is naturally a Premium grade Mustang, so expect the monolithic digital display housing, leather seats, and so on. Here, that upholstery is perforated “Navy Pier” combined with a traditional black leather for the seats. Contrast stitching deviates slightly– “Raptor Blue” and “Metal Gray”– applied to the seats, dash and doors. Floor mats are unique, as is the California Special badge mounted onto the passenger’s side of the dashboard.

The 2024 GT/CS package will cost an additional $1,995. It’s available for Mustang GT Premiums only; however, buyers can select between coupe and convertibles, as well as six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions. If you happen to be in Los Angeles for this year’s LA Auto Show, you can check out its first public debut in person.