UK gets track-tuned power-mad Mustang
High-performance and luxury car specialist, Clive Sutton, has launched the CS850R, a track-focused version of the UK’s most powerful Ford Mustang. Based on the company’s 859PS (847bhp/631.6kW) CS850GT Mustang, the new model features a series of enhancements that fine-tune the car for spirited on-road and track driving.
The most significant upgrade is a new Torsen differential, which optimises mechanical drive from both rear wheels. This enhancement delivers more grip under aggressive acceleration, plus greater feel and finesse when pushing hard, or engaging a power slide.
In addition to making the Sutton Mustang sharper on track, the enhancements are designed to improve off the line performance with the manual gearbox in mind. The track-tuned CS850R also replaces the Mustang’s MagneRide suspension with Pro Active shocks and linear springs to achieve sharper input and performance when cornering.
In addition to painted dual racing stripes, the new model features several colour-matched extras to enhance distinctiveness and individualisation. For example, the Sutton Mustang features Race Red brake callipers that match red interior stitching, piping, and front and rear seatbelts.
Clive Sutton, Founder and CEO said the bespoke programme is popular with customers looking for right-hand drive high-performance Mustangs that outperform almost anything on the road. “Customer feedback we’ve gathered from our GT Mustang enabled us to fine-tune our offering to deliver a quicker, better handling car that provides more driver feedback, and even more smiles,” added Sutton.
The company’s CS850GT Mustang was launched last year and is a comprehensive reworking of Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 muscle car. The model came to life following customer demand from drivers who were frustrated there was no right-hand drive Shelby GT500 for the UK market.
The output of the CS850GT and CS850R makes them the UK’s most powerful new Mustangs, with almost double the 460PS (454bhp/338.5kW) of the stock Ford. The Sutton Mustangs boast a custom-tuned Whipple supercharger, intercooler and a Quad Active XFORCE exhaust that together deliver 902Nm (665lb-ft) of torque, alongside the significant power boost. With absolute driver engagement in mind, the new levels of performance are accessed by a short-shifting six-speed manual transmission.
The upgraded front and rear anti-roll bars are carried over from the CS850GT, along with its enhanced bracing and new subframe components to complement the upgraded suspension of the CS850R. Both models feature custom Vossen 20-inch wheels, uprated DBA brakes and Hawk pads, adding to the model’s track-ready capabilities.
Visually, Sutton Mustangs feature completely reworked front ends that bring UK buyers a GT500-style appearance complemented by a new bumper lip, carbon fibre side rockers, and a carbon fibre rear valance that houses the quad exhausts. Colour-adjustable tri-bar headlights, plus LED side and rear lights complete the new look, while enhancing visibility.
The new CS850R is priced from £121,000 (US$147,850; AU$214460) on-the road with a number of additional options available to personalise the car and enhance its performance. For example, people looking to fully-exploit the new model’s track capabilities may opt for the Sutton carbon track spoiler, while owners seeking the most distinctive style may opt to customise the interior colours to further individualise the car.
Clive Sutton is one of the largest importers of Ford Mustangs and Shelby Mustangs, having supplied UK motorists with the iconic cars for more than 15 years. Sutton’s specialist Mustang division previously produced the CS700 and CS800 versions of the Mustang in addition to the CS850GT.
SPECIFICATION – CS850R MUSTANG – CLIVE SUTTON UPGRADES –
Power package
Polished finish Whipple Supercharger with custom tune
859PS (631.6kW/847bhp)
902Nm (665lb/ft) torque
Intercooler
Oil cooler
Uprated engine mounts
Uprated boundary geared oil pump and crankshaft timing sprocket
Sutton custom polished header tank
New engine-back Quad Active XFORCE exhaust system with Bluetooth App control
Barton gearbox short shifter
Ford Performance T2-R Torsen Differential (3.37 ratio)
Ride package
G-Trac K brace
Billet aluminium vertical links
Adjustable rear toe link
IRS subframe alignment kit
IRS subframe bushing support system
Upgraded linear progression springs
Pro Active front & rear suspension dampers
Upgraded front and rear anti-roll bars
Adjustable front and rear roll bar links
Full length jacking rails
Bump steer kit
Camber bolts
Full fast road four-wheel geometry alignment set up
Brakes, wheels, tyres
Slotted front brake discs and pads
Slotted rear brake discs and pads
Custom Vossen wheels 20 x 9.5 front & 20 x 10.5 rear
Exterior styling
New Sutton carbon fibre rear wing track pack (optional extra)
New GT500-look styling package including:
Carbon fibre bonnet
Front bumper with lip
Deeper carbon fibre side rockers
Carbon fibre rear valance and diffuser for quad exhaust
LED rear fog and reversing light
LED side marker lights with smoked lenses
Tri- bar headlamp upgrade with Bluetooth App control to adjust colour
Carbon fibre rear deck lid
Brake callipers refinished in Race Red
Twin painted racing stripes in gloss black – bumper to bumper
Interior upgrades
Custom real carbon fibre four-piece dash
Sutton performance steering wheel; square bottom and thumb grips; red racing line
2022 Sutton Custom interior in Black Nappa leather and black Alcantara, including:
Seats, door and rear quarter panels
Dash top, centre console & cup holder lid
Alcantara headlining – with red twin stitch
Red contrasting stitching and details
Sutton red billet starter button
LED interior light conversion
Red seat belts front & rear