With a doubt Ford hit a home run with the all-new 2015 Mustang, increasing its appeal across different demographics and finally eclipsing Camaro sales after years of playing second fiddle. With Mustang sales as strong as they are though, Ford has to move fast to keep the pony car feeling fresh, and for the 2016 model year a menagerie of new options is emerging.
The 2016 Ford Mustang will see the return of several classic appearance and performance options like the California Special and Pony Package, as well as offering Ford’s latest infotainment system and nifty features like hood vent-mounted turn signals.
Ford actually tipped us off to the hood turn signals earlier in the year, but it kept under wraps the return of the popular California Special and Pony Package. In a twist though, the Pony Package will only be offered on the 310 horsepower EcoBoost four-banger, which slots between the detuned V6 and 435 horsepower 5.0 V8. The Pony Package kit includes a tri-bar grille, 19-inch polished wheels, side stripes, and chrome window trim. The California Special package is limited to the Mustang GT and includes its own 19-inch wheels, strut-tower brace, a unique grille, front splitter, hood and side stripes, a black pedestal spoiler, and special interior trim. The Black Accent package, naturally, adds black badging, decklid spoiler, taillight trim, and polished wheels to the Mustang GT.
Both EcoBoost and GT models get a black roof option for 2016, but not the V6. 2016 Mustang GT Convertible buyers will have the option of selecting the Performance Package for the first time as well, adding Brembo brakes, 3:73 gears, heavy duty front springs, underbody and strut tower bracing, while adding unique tuning to the ABS, electronic power steering, and traction control systems. Finally, EcoBoost and GT models with the Premium Package will get the new Sync3 infotainment system, which Ford promises delivers a much better and more intuitive experience.
The 2016 Mustang should hit Ford dealerships sometime this fall, and so far Ford is keeping its pony car feeling as fresh as the day the first one rolled off assembly lines.