Mustang affirms the appeal of normally aspirated V8 power

You would think modern motoring has no place for instruments such as the Ford Mustang in 5.0 V8 guise. Though it made its local debut seven years ago, the model still receives admiration, often eclipsing more contemporary, sophisticated contenders for outright desirability.

Loud, crude and thirsty, the American muscle car is not something you would want to be daily driving in these R25-per-litre times. Moreover, if you have some semblance of concern for your carbon footprint, it might be best to ignore the tailpipe outputs of the rumbling brawler. Overseas, there's the all-electric Mustang Mach E. But that's a totally different format to the iconic two-door.

At this point we should not forget that Ford once offered a 2.3-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder derivative, no longer sold. A compelling prospect, but it all fell apart when excited fellow motorists asked you to rev the engine at the traffic lights.

No, you need the V8, simple as that. There's a new Mustang on the horizon and according to the information out there it looks likely to keep its eight-cylinder heart. Naturally, there's plenty of speculation regarding hybridisation, downsizing and the adoption of forced induction.

As the sun slowly sets on the current Mustang, it is customary for its makers to sustain enthusiasm with various limited-edition versions. The latest is the California Special. It's inspired by a 1968 iteration that took cues from a Shelby GT notchback coupé prototype released a year earlier. That original model sported a blackout grille, racing stripes and a spoiler.

The new one ticks those boxes. Notice the honeycomb front grille (in black), body stripes and California Special scripting.

A larger front splitter, a rear wing from the GT Performance Package and side air scoops are part of the deal, as are charcoal-hued, five-spoke wheels, 19 inches in diameter. Inside you'll find GT/CS badging, Miko suede upholstery inserts and a Mustang California Special badge.

One of the high points of Mustang has always been rich standard specification. No change there, with features such as heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control and navigation included.

Firing up that normally aspirated V8, the Mustang still sounds as truculent as ever. Output here is 330kW and 529Nm, with Ford's 10-speed automatic on duty, transmitting power to the rear wheels. It remains a brutish steer, with a wayward tail that makes for entertaining theatrics.

Take on a more leisurely approach on the open road and the Mustang settles as a wonderful highway cruiser, engine rumbling away in the background, as you and passenger nose towards the horizon.

Exactly the type of notions with which Mustang ownership is associated. Only 100 units of the California Special are available locally, priced at R1,154,900.