{"id":31681,"date":"2023-11-09T11:11:48","date_gmt":"2023-11-09T15:11:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=31681"},"modified":"2023-11-09T11:11:48","modified_gmt":"2023-11-09T15:11:48","slug":"california-dreamin-ford-drops-mustang-california-special","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2023\/11\/california-dreamin-ford-drops-mustang-california-special","title":{"rendered":"California dreamin&#8217;: Ford drops Mustang California Special"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Ford has added another ground-pawing pony to its seventh-generation Mustang stable.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The Mustang California Special pays homage to the 1968 OG that became a hot property more than 50 years ago as the Mustang craze swept America (over 317,000 units were sold in that year alone) and privateers customized their steeds.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Like the \u201968 car, the 2024 model bears striking exterior accents like Rave Blue grille nostrils, Rave Blue wheels, and side stripes. Unlike its forebear, the CS does not share Shelby GT500-inspired performance mods like a big engine and fiberglass panels since, well, there isn\u2019t a Shelby GT500 version of the seventh-gen Mustang yet.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508709007-mustang-california-special-fr-34-conv.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang California Special is the fourth model of the 7th-gen Mustang after the Ecoboost, GT, and Dark Horse.\" width=\"489\" height=\"326\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508709007-mustang-california-special-fr-34-conv.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508709007-mustang-california-special-fr-34-conv.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=880&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang California Special is the fourth model of the 7th-gen Mustang after the Ecoboost, GT, and Dark Horse.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang California Special is the fourth model of the 7th-gen Mustang after the Ecoboost, GT, and Dark Horse.\" data-c-credit=\"Ford, Ford\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Neither will the California Special feature the performance upgrades of the track-focused, 2024 Mustang Dark Horse which also debuted this year alongside Ecoboost and GT models. The California Special will be available as a $1,995 upgrade on the Mustang GT Premium \u2014 available as a coupe (starting at $47,015) or convertible ($52,515) and with 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-2\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cThe original California Special package was geared toward California\u2019s optimistic and carefree driving culture,\u201d said Mustang Brand Manager Joe Bellino in a statement. \u201cWe\u2019re 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">In the pony car\u2019s early days, some 20% of sales were in the Golden State alone. Owners\u2019 clubs coveted the latest mods and regional dealers created their own personalized designs to stand out from the herd. The \u201968 California Special was inspired by the Carroll Shelby-modified, 1967 Shelby GT notchback coupe prototype and would be coveted by collectors.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-3\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\" data-x-c=\"2\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Subsequent generations of the CS \u2014 2007, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2023 (for Europe) \u2014 paid homage to the original. The OG featured a blacked-out grille, fog lights, side racing stripes, and rear spoiler. Most were powered by 4.7-liter (289 cubic inch) V-8 engines with the most desirable sporting big block 6.4-liter (390 cube) and 7-liter (428) V-8 earth-shakers.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508653007-mustang-california-special-wheelpockets.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"Gotta have the wheels, baby. The Rave Blue pouch wheels on the 2024 Ford Mustang California Special.\" width=\"447\" height=\"298\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508653007-mustang-california-special-wheelpockets.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508653007-mustang-california-special-wheelpockets.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=880&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"Gotta have the wheels, baby. The Rave Blue pouch wheels on the 2024 Ford Mustang California Special.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"Gotta have the wheels, baby. The Rave Blue pouch wheels on the 2024 Ford Mustang California Special.\" data-c-credit=\"Ford, Ford\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">For the 2024 edition, the California Special will be stuffed with the same rib-rattling, 480-horse, 5.0-liter (305 cubic inch) V-8 found in the GT.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">You\u2019ll know by its striking appearance.<\/p>\n<p>At the end of the Mustang\u2019s long, menacing hood, Rave Blue nostrils bracket the horizontal-slat grille. Headlights are surrounded by black bezels and California Special graphics in Rave Blue and black are emblazoned on the side rocker panels.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The 19-inch wheels also stand out in Rave Blue with either a CS logo on Carbonized Gray wheels or a Performance Pack wheel with bright Rave Blue pockets. A GT\/CS badge in the grille is also finished in Rave Blue.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508652007-mustang-california-special-rr-34.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang California Special stands out with silver paint and Rave Blue accents. Oh, yes, and its V-8 roar.\" width=\"491\" height=\"327\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508652007-mustang-california-special-rr-34.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508652007-mustang-california-special-rr-34.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=880&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang California Special stands out with silver paint and Rave Blue accents. Oh, yes, and its V-8 roar.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang California Special stands out with silver paint and Rave Blue accents. Oh, yes, and its V-8 roar.\" data-c-credit=\"Ford, Ford\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Mustang\u2019s modern, digital interior is trimmed with more blue accents including Navy Pier upholstery and Ebony Black leather seats. Raptor Blue and Metal Gray contrast stitching extends to the dash and doors.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">\u201cMustang has a rich well of special edition models to draw from, and we\u2019ll continue to reinvent them for a new audience,\u201d Bellino said, referring to Mustang archives that include legendary badges like Bullitt and Mach 1. \u201cThe new Mustang GT California Special is a perfect example of our drive to build a Mustang for every customer.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508624007-mustang-california-special-accentsint.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang California Special also features interior blue accents.\" width=\"503\" height=\"335\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508624007-mustang-california-special-accentsint.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2023\/11\/08\/PDTN\/71508624007-mustang-california-special-accentsint.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=880&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang California Special also features interior blue accents.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2024 Ford Mustang California Special also features interior blue accents.\" data-c-credit=\"Ford, Ford\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The \u201824 Mustang GT California Special will make its public debut at the LA Auto Show Nov. 16. It\u2019s available for order now at Ford.com.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ford has added another ground-pawing pony to its seventh-generation Mustang stable. The Mustang California Special pays homage to the 1968 OG that became a hot property more than 50 years ago as the Mustang craze swept America (over 317,000 units were sold in that year alone) and privateers customized their steeds. Like the \u201968 car, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31681"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31681"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31681\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31682,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31681\/revisions\/31682"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31681"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31681"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31681"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}