Ford Mustang High Performance confirmed! More speed, more style for bargain super 'Stang

Ford’s Mustang High Performance has been confirmed for Australia, with what is among the “most powerful four-cylinder Fords ever” set to touch down in February 2020.

Replacing the current four-cylinder Mustang, the new High Performance adds the 63mm twin-scroll turbocharger from the Ford Focus RS to the 'Stang's 2.3-litre engine, lifting the outputs to a very healthy 236kW at 6200rpm and 448Nm at 3800rpm.

That’s up from the current car’s 224kW and 441Nm, which means a claimed sprint to 100km/h in the “mid-four-second range” and a flying top speed of 250km/h. Ford is also quoting a near-perfect 53/47 weight distribution, and says the gear ratios have been shortened to "further improve agility and driver engagement.”

The extra urge is mostly complements of the larger twin-scrollr turbocharger, but there's also a new radiator and a new engine calibration to partner with the Mustang’s 10-speed auto or six-speed manual.

“It’s not just the power gains over the previous 2.3-litre engine,” says chief Mustang engineer, Carl Widmann. “It’s the broader torque curve that delivers 90 per cent of peak torque between 2500 and 5300 rpm. Plus, horsepower holds stronger up to the 6500-rpm redline – enabling more usable power and torque.”

The car - revealed at the New York Motor Show - was always on the cards for Australia. As CarsGuide reported at the time, the engine changes occur post-build, so configuring them for right-hand drive doesn’t complicate the manufacturing process.

"The beauty of this package is that I designed a turbo that fits all the inlet and outlet tubes, so the assembly plants can't tell the difference between the two engines, apart from the barcode," Mustang chief engineer, Carl Widmann, told us at the time.

While pricing is yet to be confirmed, we do know the new Mustang model - officially named the Ford Mustang High Performance 2.3L - will also arrive with some visual changes to help differentiate it from the pack.

There will be two new heritage colours (Twister Orange and Grabber Lime), as well as Iconic Silver and Rapid Red, and the High Performance car will be offered in fastback or convertible guises.

There’s also a bespoke front grille, and a front splitter borrowed from the V8-powered GT card, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels and Brembo brakes with red calipers.

“The High Performance 2.3L helps extend Mustang’s already broad appeal,” says Ford Australia boss, Kay Hart. “With distinctive looks, increased equipment level and bold colour choices, the turbocharged model is a welcome addition to the line-up, bringing a freshness to the range while still being pure Mustang.”

Can the High Performance tempt you into a four-cylinder 'Stang? Tell us in the comments below.