New Ford Mustang Stealth Edition Stands Out

Ford is offering an assortment of special edition Mustangs for its pony car line-up this coming model year starting with the ironically named — and easily spotted — Stealth Edition.

Along with the resurrected California Edition, it joins an array of Mustang new trim packages, alongside the Ice White Appearance Package unveiled in August at the Woodward Dream Cruise. And those are just for the classic Mustang coupe. The automaker has been seen all over the San Francisco area in recent days giving journalists a first drive of the new Mustang Mach-E GT, as well.

“Mustang owners have always loved personalizing their ride, and these new flavors of Mustang are ready to inspire and excite new enthusiasts,” said Jim Owens, Mustang brand marketing manager.

This just marks the launch of the latest Stealth edition to the Ford line-up. It launched a version of the Escape SUV last year.

Despite the distinct differences between the battery-electric SUV and the muscle coupe, the formula is similar.

Sinister looks

The Mustang starts out with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4, a turbocharged powertrain punching out 310 horsepower. It adds a number of black exterior accents, including the mirrors, and black 19-inch wheels. They’re complemented by backlit treadplates and clear LED taillights.

The clear taillights are shared with the appropriately named Ice White package launched several months ago. That version of the pony car is a throwback to the 1993 special edition Mustang convertible and offered in a distinctively monochromatic hue. Even the familiar pony emblem on the grille goes all white.

As for the Mustang California Edition, it’s a familiar theme that has come and gone over the years and will be offered as an option package for both the 2022 Ford Mustang GT coupe and convertible models.

Pumped up

In this case, it blends both appearance and performance enhancements.

That starts with a black grille, side racing stripes and unique 19-inch painted machined wheels. Inside, the California Edition adds details like Miko suede trim and red accents, as well as a carbon hex aluminum finish to the instrument panel.

As for handling and performance enhancements, that starts with a larger front splitter and a sportier rear wing. There’s also a new front strut brace and, when combined with the GT Performance Package, the pony car adds new Brembo brakes — with 6-piston calipers up front — a stiffer suspension with heavy duty front springs, and a larger rear sway bar.

Look for the order bank to open later this year, with the various special edition Mustangs to roll into showrooms early next year.

All the new versions come to market in what is expected to be the last year for the current-generation Mustang, the pony car set to get a complete makeover for 2023. Meanwhile, Ford is getting ready to deliver the latest version of its new Mustang Mach-E, adding the GT for 2022. The twin-motor package is meant to underscore the sort of performance an all-electric muscle car can deliver. The top-line GT Performance Edition delivers 480 hp and 634 lb-ft of torque, enough to launch the electric SUV from 0-60 in just 3.5 seconds.