Ford S650 Mustang: Australia’s Last Manual, V8 Muscle Car

In the realm of Australian street machines, the Ford S650 Mustang emerges as a standout, representing the country’s final bastion of manual, V8-powered muscle cars. This latest iteration of the legendary Blue Oval muscle car, the seventh in its lineage, stands as a paragon of rear-wheel-drive performance coupled with the visceral thrill of a roaring exhaust note.

However, this exhilarating experience comes at a price, quite literally. The entry cost for the Ford S650 Mustang has seen a significant uptick compared to its predecessor, demanding a starting price of $64,990 plus on-road expenses. This investment grants access to a four-cylinder engine mated with an automatic transmission, as the manual variant with the same engine has been discontinued globally. For enthusiasts seeking the V8 experience, the GT manual version commands a price tag starting at $77,002, with a slight increase for the automatic transmission option and further escalation if opting for the soft-top variant at $86,752.

At the zenith of the lineup resides the exclusive Dark Horse edition, priced well into six figures at $99,102 for the manual and $103,002 for the automatic variant, both exclusive of on-road costs. With only a limited 1000 units slated for Australia, each Dark Horse model is already accounted for, underscoring its desirability among aficionados.

Despite the surge in pricing, the standard specifications have also received a boost. Even the base Ecoboost model now comes equipped with the Performance Pack as standard, featuring enhancements like upgraded Brembo brakes, a shorter differential ratio, and a four-mode active exhaust system. Furthermore, technological advancements abound, with the inclusion of advanced features such as wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging capabilities, and a futuristic dual-screen setup for infotainment and instrument display.

Under the hood, the Ford S650 Mustang retains its 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, albeit with purported refinements. While the power output has marginally decreased to 232kW, torque figures have seen an uptick of around 10% to 475Nm. The V8 variant, on the other hand, boasts dual air intakes and throttle bodies, maintaining similar power and torque figures to its predecessor but with subtle enhancements. Moreover, the Dark Horse edition distinguishes itself with additional power, bespoke suspension tuning, and a performance-oriented Tremec six-speed manual gearbox for enhanced acceleration.

On the road and track, the 2025 Ford Mustang exemplifies a substantial update rather than a revolutionary overhaul from its predecessor, the S550. Test drivers commend the refined interior quality, improved steering precision, and consistent handling dynamics, highlighting the car’s overall refinement. The Ecoboost variant impresses with its agility and speed, while the V8 iteration exudes a newfound vigor in both performance and acoustics. The Dark Horse model, though sharing similarities on paper, delivers a more spirited driving experience, courtesy of its specialized gearbox and enhanced chassis dynamics, setting it apart as a top-tier offering.

In conclusion, the Ford S650 Mustang stands as a beacon of modern muscle car engineering, preserving the essence of raw, unadulterated driving pleasure in an era dominated by technological advancements. Its allure lies not just in its performance figures but in the visceral connection it fosters between man and machine, ensuring its place as a coveted gem in the realm of Australian street machines.