2009 Ford Mustang GT/CS California Special: Ultimate Guide

2009 Ford Mustang GT/CS California Special

2009 Ford Mustang GT/CS California Special

Homage to the original California Special is Back Again

The GT/CS, or “California Special,” returned as an option package for the 2009 Mustang GT in Premium trim, for a third consecutive year. As with the 2008 package, no discernable changes were made on the mechanical side of things. A new color, Vapor Silver Clearcoat Metallic, became available for 2009, replacing Grabber Orange Clearcoat in the lineup. The only other change was that the floor mats now featured a chrome “MUSTANG” logo rather than the California Special nomenclature.

As in 2007 and 2008, the Mustang GT California Special is available on GT Premium models and includes 18-inch wheels, side scoops, unique tape stripes, rolled bright exhaust tips, black leather trimmed seats with unique Cal Special contrasting Dove or Parchment leather inserts, a larger air intake, a chin spoiler (1.5 inches lower than GT), and unique front and rear fascias.

The bulk of the California Special package features revolved around these aesthetic enhancements. As an appearance package available for the Mustang GT it features rolled exhaust tips, an engine cover with a Pony emblem and a hood scoop. The California Special and GT appearance packages can be ordered separately or combined to give Mustang enthusiasts one of the most expressive Mustang GTs ever offered. The GT/CS is available nationwide as either a coupe or convertible.

Mechanically, the 2009 model was identical to previous year.

GT California Special Option Package (54C)

Requires

  • Premium array GT Coupe (140A) or Convertible (180A)
  • Interior Upgrade Package

Features

  • Unique front and rear fascia combination including:
    • Front
      • Larger air intake
      • Integrated chin spoiler
      • 1.5 inch lower ride height than Mustang GT
    • Rear
      • Race car style diffuser look
      • Reduced rear tuck-in design
  • Unique California Special bodyside scoops
  • Unique GT/CS bodyside stripes
  • Bright rolled dual exhaust tips
  • 18-inch polished aluminum 5-spoke wheels (64W)
  • Black with Dove or Black with Parchment interior trim
  • Black leather seats w/contrasting Cal Special Dove or Parchment GT Leather inserts
  • Mustang badged floor mats
  • Shown (white convertible below) with optional GT Appearance Package 54G:
    • Hood Scoop
    • Pony emblem engine cover

Not available with

  • Premier Trim with Color Accent Package (68B)
  • Sport Appearance Package with Color Accent (18M)

Specs & Performance

Engine

Type: 90-degree SOHC 24-valve V-8
Displacement: 4.6L / 281 CID
Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,750 RPM
Torque: 320 lbs.-ft. @ 4,500 RPM
Bore x Stroke: 90.2mm x 90mm
Compression: 9.8:1

Suspension

Front: Reverse-L Independent MacPherson Strut, 34-mm Stabilizer bar
Rear: 3-link solid axle with coil springs, panard rod, 20-mm stabilizer bar

Brakes

Front: 12.4 in. vented disc, dual-piston caliper
Rear: 11.8 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper
ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control

Wheels

Wheels: 18 x 8 in., 5-spoke, polished aluminum
Tires: 235/50ZR18 BSW High-Performance

Performance

0 to 60 mph: 5.1 seconds (Car and Driver)
60 to 0 braking: 130 feet (Est.)
1/4-mile @ MPH: 13.8 seconds @ 103 mph (Car & Driver)

Production

Total Produced: 2,643
Total Coupe Produced: 1,705
– Ebony Clearcoat: 448
– Performance White: 377
– Vapor Silver: 315
– Vista Blue: 286
– Dark Candy Apple Red: 279
Total Convertible Produced: 938
– Ebony Clearcoat: 258
– Performance White: 243
– Dark Candy Apple Red: 182
– Vapor Silver: 150
– Vista Blue: 105