We have a lot of nice cars here in the U.S., but there are some models we’re just not lucky enough to have. Think about models like the Volkswagen Scirocco, the Audi S1, or the recently discontinued Peugeot RCZ; all of these models graced the European market, but over here in the U.S., it has been like watching the cool kids play from a distance. And that tradition continues with two new special editions of the Ford Mustang that are being offered exclusively in the European market. Neither feature any crazy performance upgrades or anything of that nature, but one – the Mustang Blue Edition – comes in a Grabber Blue exterior finish while the other – the Black Shadow edition – gets a few blacked out details that ride against a Platinum White, Triple Yellow, Race Red, or Grabber Blue exterior color.
Unfortunately, that’s really all these models are about, but they are specced pretty nicely. For instance, the come in the fastback body style and feature Fords Sync3 infotainment system to go with navigation and the “premium” audio system. The Blue edition comes in Grabber Blue only, but it does get a blacked out front spoiler, blacked out 19-inch alloy wheels, and black racing stripes along the hood, roof, and rear deck. Meanwhile, the Black Shadow edition, which can be had in three colors other than Grabber Blue comes with a blacked out pony emblem up front, shadowed hood ridges, black shadowing on the sides, and a blacked out 5.0-liter badge on the front fenders. It also rolls on 19-inch Y-Spoke alloy wheels, that are definitely the highlight of the entire package.
On the powertrain front, the Grabber Blue Mustang can be had with the 5.0-liter V-8 that delivers some 421 horsepower and upward of 400 pound-feet of torque or the 2.3-liter EcoBoost that delivers a cool 312 horsepower and around 320 pound-feet of torque. The Black Shadow edition is available only with the 2.3-liter. Transmission options include the six-speed manual and six-speed automatic.
Why it Matters
While I would normally criticize a special edition that’s nothing more than some special paint colors or a few blacked out details, I won’t do that here because there really is something special about these special edition models. See, the Grabber Blue color is a nod to the Mustangs long history. Over the years, for has offered at least 20 different Grabber Colors, and it all started with the Shelby GT350 and GT500 models of 1969. Over the years the grabber colors have peaked the interest of collectors, and there’s no doubt that these models with the Grabber Blue finish will fall into the same category. Ford could have done more by adding in a few Ford Performance upgrades, or some custom interior, but sometimes less is more, and these two models look great.