As most are now well aware, Ford has proved rather adept as of late at producing four-cylinder powerplants of a rather wicked disposition. In fact, some might be compelled to make the argument that the American automaker has delved deeper into engine development of this type than any other over the past decade.
Quite surprisingly, this level of recent advancement is perhaps no better illustrated than when looking beneath the hood of the 2021 Mustang 2.3L High Performance. With 330 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of horsepower on tap, few can argue against this recent Mustang´s credentials. Take into consideration this potent pony car´s 4.9-second 0-60 MPH time, and you also have the makings of an instant classic, ripe for further discussion.
See Also: 5 Best Mustang Engines
The Makings Of A Thoroughbred: Developing the 2021 Ford Mustang 2.3L High Performance Package
Before we dig deep into Ford´s latest four-cylinder Mustang creation, we feel it is only fair to mention that Ford has actually traveled down this path of development for quite some time… at least partially. Let us not forget Ford´s turbocharged four-cylinder efforts of the 1980s, in the form of the earlier SVT Mustang.
Though development and production of this nature continued for several years, the four-cylinder program as a whole was shelved for decades, leaving many to wonder if Ford had scrapped such efforts altogether.
This was, of course, until Ford unveiled the 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost I4 in 2009. This tiny, yet potent powerplant quickly found its way beneath the hood of numerous Ford models, while receiving its fair share of praise from critics.
Then in 2015, Ford made the decision to offer the Ecoboost as an optional powerplant within the Mustang lineup. The 2021 Mustang 2.3L High Performance package builds upon this legacy by further enhancing the four-cylinder Mustang´s performance attributes while also bolstering its sporting appeal.
Power & Weight for the Ford Mustang 2.3L High Performance
The 2021 Ford Mustang 2.3L High Performance utilizes a powerplant that is highly reflective of that previously used beneath the hood of the Ford Focus RS. However, a significant amount of reengineering was required to prep this powerplant to be fitted within the Mustang´s engine bay.
Nonetheless, the sum of these efforts yielded a truly powerful four-cylinder Mustang, well-deserving of a nod of approval from even the most die-hard of V8 purists. The 2.3L High-Performance ultimately produced a rather impressive degree of output. Rated at 330 horsepower and 350 ft-lb of torque, respectively, the 2021 HPP Mustang logged a 0-60 MPH time of only 4.9 seconds, as well as a ¼ MPH time of 13.5 seconds.
When purchasing the 2021 2.3L HPP Mustang, consumers were presented with two different transmission options, which included a six-speed manual gearbox and a 10-speed automatic. Alternatively, only the 10-speed automatic was offered within certain foreign markets.
The 2.3L High-Performance Mustang was also noteworthy for its significantly lighter composition when compared to its V8 counterpart. Depending upon one’s selection in optional hardware, Ford’s latest 4-cylinder Mustang weighs in at between 3,730 lbs-3,932 lbs.
Extra Options for the 2021 Ford Mustang 2.3L High Performance
The 2021 Mustang 2.3L High Performance also featured an array of additional GT-series tech, including satellite navigation, active exhaust, adaptive cruise control rain-sensing wipers, ambient lighting, LED exterior lights, and 19¨ alloy wheels. Power entry and push button ignition also come standard.
The 2.3L High Performance featured a number of high-end interior revisions as well, many of which were well received by consumers. Some of the most notable of these revisions included the addition of an 8¨ touchscreen infotainment system, a 12” customizable digital instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and leather seats.
A number of additional upgrade packages were also available on an optional basis, including MagneRide adaptive suspension ($2,750), and Recaro front sport seats ($3,000). Certain exterior premium paint colors also commanded an additional fee, such as Twister Orange ($650).
2021 Mustang 2.3L High Performance Key Specs
| Engine | 2.3L 4 cylinder engine |
| Horsepower | 330 horsepower |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft of torque |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.9 seconds |
| Quarter Mile Time | 13.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
| Weight | 3,730-3,932 lbs |
| Base Price | $6,150 High Performance Package + Base cost of Specific Model |
Available Exterior Colors
The 2021 Mustang 2.3L High Performance model is available in the following exterior colors:
- Rapid Red
- Iconic Silver
- Carbon Bronze
- Guards Red
- Light Blue Metallic
- Atlas Gray
- Twister Orange
- Pine Green
- Oxford White
- Antimatter Blue
Available Interior Colors
The 2021 Mustang 2.3L High Performance model interior is available in the following colors:
- Dark Blue
- Black
- Silver
2021 Mustang 2.3L High Performance Videos
We found some great videos about the ’21 Mustang 2.3L High Performance Mustang:
