2023 Ford Mustang GT California Special (Manual) - POV Driving Impressions

2023 Ford Mustang GT California Special
Exterior: Mischievous Purple
Wheels: 19x9.5 Avid1 AV20
Tires: Continental ExtremeContact Sport
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Thanks for watching!

[@TheTopher]

Thanks to Steve for sharing his GT/CS with us! You can see more on his car here: instagram.com/tikbalang5.0/

[@Tikbalang5.0]

Thanks for doing a wonderful job showing me I'm underdriving the snot on my car 🤣

[@Parthk6124]

@@Tikbalang5.0 hey steve, cool car !!!👋

[@Tikbalang5.0]

@@Parthk6124 Thank ya 🫡

[@Tikbalang5.0]

Look Nanay I'm on youtube 🤣 Seriously big thanks to Topher for being such a cool guy 😎 If you want to find the limits of your car quickly, throw him into the driver seat 😂 Edit: Rewatching this again like I normally do, I can't stop cringing at myself, reasons why if I do make a tubes of you channel its going to be silent pov drives 🤣

[@UnitiveWILLIAM24]

I thought you were Filipino lol nice mustang bro

[@Tikbalang5.0]

@UnitiveWILLIAM24 well I'm half so you know there's that. Shout out to all my hapa swagapino bros lurking in the background 🫡🇵🇭🫡

[@Yamaha01.]

all the information you provided to us in this video is useful and cool! i can feel you guys had fun there.

[@Tikbalang5.0]

@Viperia_Park_Roadster np, and if anyone has any corrections or finds anything that doesn't hold true, feel free to comment and let me know. I don't mind being corrected, given that we are all learning in one aspect or another 😉

[@operationsiege9875]

ever driven it on Michigan snow yet??? live in Grand Rapids and daily an eco stang handles pretty alright in winter would love to get a 5.0 but heard they cant move in snow due to more power compared to eco

[@wbwayne8887]

At first I really thought the S650 was the best looking Mustang ever produced, but the more I compare the 2, the S550 is way better looking inside and out. Beautiful car.

[@RocketMan-vc8sr]

I hate the 2 large screens on the s650. Other than that, the cars pretty much look the same.

[@Tikbalang5.0]

​@@RocketMan-vc8srSo I work for Ford and have been fortunate enough to see the new one in person quite a bit in the lots around work, the overall appearance has grown on me although I will say Discount AM > S650 for me at least. The interior really depressed me seeing the lack of integration of the screens, it just made it not feel as special.

[@wbwayne8887]

@RocketMan-vc8sr I do also. Similar for sure, but the S650 is trying way too hard to look more like a Camaro, with those emphasized rear fender/body cut-lines.

[@Tikbalang5.0]

@wbwayne8887 my other issue with the S650 is color choices. Well granted I'm spoiled the only color that peaked my interest was Blue Ember (I did see one in person at Ford PDC one day), but I still think my purple wins

[@wbwayne8887]

@@Tikbalang5.0 That Purple is amazing. Outstanding color spec on your car. Enjoy it. I know you will.

[@fb2036]

like that you always tap ur feet together before entry to vehicles....ditto here

[@169abr]

A lot of people dislike the CS cause there’s no performance upgrades, but it’s honestly just the ultimate cruiser package. I have a 2020 GT/CS in white, 401A so it has the digital dash and the special dash trim. The car is still insanely fast even stock with the 10 speed. It daily drive the car down here in Florida, put a catback on and will tune it when the warranty expires. Starting in 22 I believe you can get the performance package with the Cali special package, to me that’s the ultimate S550 Mustang GT.

[@Tikbalang5.0]

That is correct. Again, if you do that, you forgo the spare donut, which I didn't want to do. But yes I agree with you on that and I literally was sitting in the dealership spending an extra 10 mins deciding just that when I ordered my car. Also that interior suede is waaay better than the normal premium interior leather (or the 401A interior leather)

[@169abr]

@@Tikbalang5.0 smart choice to put practicality over performance for your daily driver, most people can’t seem to understand a daily needs to be as functional as possible even if it is a mustang lol

[@Tikbalang5.0]

@@169abr Thank you on that, yeah I chatted with a friend of mine who owns a Camaro (he used to work for GM and lives in Houston now) the two thinks he appreciates and says is better about my mustang, the engine sound, and the everyday livability namely the visibility and storage capacity.

[@169abr]

@@Tikbalang5.0 agreed the LT1 isn’t the best sounding engine GM has done. I put the Corsa active kit on my car and it sounds 🤌🏻 The livability and the space are great, road-trips are great, and the Camaros to me just don’t drive as well as the mustangs. Doesn’t help it’s like peering thru a tank visor.

[@LowMax_]

On the street , theres not really an advantages of a PP1 or PP2. And in Michigan, these guys drive hardest down Woodward light to light than anywhere else.

[@raphraph3545]

American muscle cars are just so good and they are amazing value for what they are. Imagine having this in Germany where you can be free to max out the power output

[@TheNewAgeCreater]

Make a channel and post that exactly what you said American Muscle is going all out in Germany 🇩🇪

[@crongo4284]

This interior is way better than the s650.. it actually has some personality!

[@AIRMAMBA]

Definitely, I own a mach1 and dont want to get rid of it for a dark horse order I have. The dash and the back is a no for me. If the car needs a spoiler to not look ugly then i dont know what to say

[@khoanguyen1176]

Nah

[@crongo4284]

@@khoanguyen1176 elaborate

[@dapro2524]

Personally it looks old as shit. Something out of a used 10k car. Personality? Millions of cars has similar interiors. It's been like that for decades. Pretty bland imo. Maybe it's a age thing. To each their own. I test drove a s650 at night and the interior was sexy.

[@crongo4284]

@@dapro2524 yeah but its just a big screen which is pretty unimaginative imo, but if you like then more power to you.

[@Virtusstrong]

A beautiful example of the S550!. My personal favorite Gen for the Mustang is the S197 but I’d be happy with either or:). My personal preference in terms of Ford’s V8 options; the Coyote motor has always been my favorite.

[@Syuurp]

Got mine yesterday in shadow black with the 6spd, has everything except the active exhaust and I’m in love

[@zipzap4706]

Congratulations! Great choice!!

[@hhaste]

How has it been? Any issues with the 6 speed?

[@ramcharantejamoodapally9491]

@4:11, my respect to you brother.

[@curtfox91]

Literally on my way to the dealership to look at a Mustang GT. And this pops uo

[@Tikbalang5.0]

Not financial or car buying advice disclaimer, but DO IT! 🫡

[@jackpowell8155]

This thing won't be mowing down crowds with the Topher behind the wheel! 😂😂😂

[@Tikbalang5.0]

I mean, I also can't see myself doing that but that's more so because I drive w/ traction on and keep it at like maybe 5/10ths, well maybe Topher has proved I'm driving at like 3/10ths now 🤣

[@gryphon123456]

Rather have this than a 2024 tbh. They feel so much more legit. The screen thing in the new ones is a huge miss. Those belong is a Prius.

[@zipzap4706]

@13:53…YES, more power is good!! Go with Ford Performance/Roush Supercharger - full warranty and 750 crank hp. It is FUN!! Drives just like stock until you dip into it. As an aside, MGW shifter and BG Synchro Shift trans fluid will make your trans buttery smooth.

[@micahf0]

I can’t help but look when I hear that V8

[@MANUELEDUARDOCASASJAQUEZ]

Definitely the best videos of this guy are of mustang

[@tyler6845]

my dream🙏🏻 i hope one day i’ll get my Ford Mustang

[@Eric_Bassett]

The interior of this outgoing design is WAYYY better than the updated 2024. I mean that double hooded dash is Iconic, they truly made a mistake in replacing it with a giant extended screen. I hope they refresh the interior for 25 or 26 and bring back the classic dash.

[@amiller2121]

Nah. You're just being resistant to change.

[@SerPurple51]

Who remembers the Laguna Seca mustangs from 2012-13? I always thought they looked great. Don't know why this car reminded me of that though 😂 But great looking car! Bonus points for being purple!

[@169abr]

The black 13 BOSS 302Laguna Seca is one of the best S197’s

[@Tikbalang5.0]

Motion OEMs to give us more purple cars 😏

[@MateValishvili]

I love Mustang GT 😍😍

[@arwardhana]

I really appreciate TheTopher's foot taps before getting in the car! I do the same before getting in mine to help keep the floor clean.

[@karloluka5829]

Nice car 😃

[@rahiljakir]

Old school speedometer was just ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@drobemfr]

Funny how it's named after California but that state would prefer if the car's engine was outlawed.

[@SunShineStateMetalShows]

Just got me a California special 10 speed.

[@2555Edu]

2023 mustang with analog gages? That's so awesome!

[@Cam-pe3nd]

Love the CS interior.

[@Neela_Madhaba_Panda_07]

He's living our dreams 🙌🙌🙌

[@Tikbalang5.0]

Tbh, when I met Topher, Substitute Topher, Charlie, and Tedward at the Cars and Coffee I was living the dream then lol I was fanboying all over them that weekend. And Que the Chaotic was also there just to add more KZbinrs to the mix 👍

[@Neela_Madhaba_Panda_07]

@@Tikbalang5.0 😊🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌❤❤❤❤

[@HMAnetwork]

10:29 Not you thinking you're on a race track off that ramp 🤣🤣 apex and all

[@davidpeters44]

Interior here is sooo much better than the 2024.

[@AthenaSaints]

California Specia? Why does it still have a gasoline engine?

[@Tikbalang5.0]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Grey_Ghost_GX]

Nice car, that color is awesome!

[@kevonwalker8392]

I agree with u I like this gauge cluster as well bc they are easy to reas

[@Tikbalang5.0]

I think the only cluster that maybe looks better will be the SS camaro (I grant chevy and GM did a really good job splitting the difference there).

[@totljag1]

Beautiful car love the purple

[@chasemiles2166]

I had no idea that Ford was still making cs Mustangs. I like it.

[@ak2112]

much more appealing than the new GT. also, I love purple cars but that is reaaaaally dark.

[@5.0Melbino]

I have one in automatic got it 2 months ago it’s so nice 😫

[@hypewulf8261]

The Ford company should make a Mustang that has a 4-door version. That's why I kinda prefer the Dodge Charger GT model over the Mustang. Still, this was a very informative video. 😎👍🏾

[@Jamesmcanir-ve9so]

I wish I had one

[@User35111]

The way the owner slammed the trunk 🫣.

[@Oldschool503]

Wow what a cool car!

[@pete6705]

If I lived somewhere where it didn't snow half the year I think this would be the car I would get. Unfortunatley I'm not quite ready to get both a winter and summer car

[@Tikbalang5.0]

So I was similar to you, one of the reasons I went Ecoboost initially. I will say Winter tires are an absurd cheat code, I mentioned it briefly in vid, but we had a late dumping of snow earlier in the first week of March, my butt was able to go do grocery shopping without too much trouble with my VikingContact 7's (snow was about a foot deep in some spots or at least felt that deep). I was actually having an easier time getting up and going vs some pickup truck drivers (who I could see were sporting all seasons). The other tip I will say/mention is let yourself slow everything down, this helps greatly especially in the snow.

[@bcspiel]

I kept my 12 year old fusion and just have the payment for my 22 GT/CS. Have a daily and a summer/weekend car. Decent solution.

[@ROlEX19.M]

this is my dream car❤❤❤

[@Juergen_Mueller]

So in the US there are still the conventional instruments available in the facelift version? Because here, in Europe, there the digital instruments are mandatory.

[@Tikbalang5.0]

Yeah you can still get them if you find an 300A, 301A Base GT or a 400A GT Premium (like mine). I know with the over seas stuff its all based on allotment and everything, technically speaking I think Cali Specials are actually treated as special edition over seas vs here in America because of the allocation (only fueled worse by the Rona).

[@vaeetq]

Beautiful American Muscle Car 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@tbaxt3r]

i like the strap you put on the speedmaster

[@SnoopPogg]

I love the videos. I miss the BRZ driving videos and would love to see more. I also can’t wait to see an update on the S2000.

[@alexc2013]

Thanks Topher! Great review as always! As a weekend car, would you take the GT over a 2020 Nissan 370Z I know it’s not a direct comparison, but I would like to get your perspective from a driving experience, given you have driven both.

[@armanharati7649]

In which state your taking video's

[@javierjavier-ht3yu]

I sought a copy of it near by here roading in the street and I wonder outstand over the anothers cars.

[@nozopoke1782]

14:28 is that true ? It’s the first time I hear this. So stock base calipers also brembo ?

[@javierjavier-ht3yu]

Hey buddie, I adore the cars specially nowadays they´re more beautiful and they have a better design.

[@kdubb81]

Finally a mustang review! That engine sounds so good. The interior is nicer than the s650.

[@BigBang28A]

> California Special > Michigan

[@RocketMan-vc8sr]

Michigan Special, I guess....🤔

[@wg8290]

Great safe driving. You were hustling that V8!🤟👌👍

[@Crackheadonyourporch]

our mustangs are different yours has a horse badge. mine has a snake badge.

[@javierjavier-ht3yu]

It would be nice to testing it slowly on a racetrack.

[@igoresque]

California Special? Extra fuel consumption and noise?

[@KagaNEkn]

looks like a very nice place which city?

[@NycX360]

California Special...... The exhaust makes no noise, it comes with 6 Catalytic Converters and its down 75hp... J/K

[@maximus9401]

I guess I'm odd one out but now that I've seen the S650 and now the 550, I do like the new one better. Like many things , it grows on you. But the S197 is still my favorite

[@amiller2121]

100%. The new one looks great. People will come around.

[@brandonjohnson5205]

Badass car but why the owner seem so serious lol

[@Justin_GFM]

For any S550 owners on the channel, what’s the best way to deal with the MT82 issues? These cars seem so cheap that it’s realistic to buy one in the near future but I’d like to prevent any issues I may possibly have

[@169abr]

Barton Hybrid 3, good clutch (RST, Mantic) Not cheap, but really helps.

[@DaudJamshaid]

The average owner doesn't drive the mt82 well, leading to synchro and shift fork damage. The gears are spring loaded, people use way too much force and don't rev match properly

[@Hashbrowniepie]

MGW short shifter, a Steeda clutch assist spring and some BG Synchro Shift 2 gear oil is all you need. Just need to be sure you mount the shifter to the transmission since it also comes with the option to body mount it.

[@Tikbalang5.0]

The one thing I also discovered, too, from driving (and learning stick in the car) you can't force the mt82 or the d4 variant (in video) you gotta baby it a little and give it some love (ie no slamming in to gear).

[@xnick58x]

Without heavy mods like everyone else listed, a weighted shift knob and different trans fluid goes a long way. Also just learning how to live with it, letting it warm up, finding where the sweet spots are in the linkages, etc. Its not bad, its not a tremec, but its not bad.

[@CleetoMange]

Damn.

[@andoniades]

I love driving manual, but here in the Bay, wayyy too congested...even on canyon roads. Taking it to Sears Point is fun, but too costly as a hobby. Trading the gt for an auto gt asap.

[@Kipkirui-qf6oh]

Wow

[@shopnoraj]

I don’t know why people buy auto mustang. This muscles are meant to driven on stick shifts.

[@ColinPopoviciu]

manuals are not reliable

[@jamesj5469]

Gotta get a new 2017 gt

[@deebrandt007]

little bit of an unpopular biased opinion but i think the coyote sounds better than the voodoo. Has a more rounded easy to listen to tone. I still think the voodoo is amazing and no other car sounds like it though.

[@nozopoke1782]

Voodoo is more popular because it’s a Shelby, flat-plane and revs a bit higher than the coyote, but I agree. Coyote sounds better, voodoo is war raspier

[@Anhnoles]

I may have missed it but what exhaust does it have?

[@deebrandt007]

sounds stock ( the best tone available to the coyote imo)

[@nozopoke1782]

Stock active exhaust (which is an additional option) the stock non-active really sounds bad

[@keithprice6581]

How do I get those analog gauges on a Mach 1? :P

[@Tikbalang5.0]

Low key, you could probably transplant them in from an owner that did the digital dash swap aftermarket 🤔 probably would just need to come from a magride car is all.

[@nozopoke1782]

Do you like them more than the digital ?

[@Tikbalang5.0]

@@nozopoke1782 zero issues with them, I still have mycolor and they give the car a retro feel that I quite enjoy. That said I've only sat in the car with a digital dash, never owned one.

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

I hate EVs , I love naturally aspirated Manuals……from MX5 to Mustangs

[@Tikbalang5.0]

Until I was around the Coyote 24/7 I always thought V8's (minus the Voodoo) were kind of overrated. Boi did I learn 😂 But right there with ya, there is something primal about revving out and shifting an N/A motor.

[@thesteeners]

fake side scoops on a 2023? please tell me theyre funtional

[@stevefowler2112]

Nice car but I'm sorry, I can't buy a car that has fake side scoops. That's a no go for me.

[@seb5945]

Competition Sports

[@RocketMan-vc8sr]

California Special, a car made for Tupac.

[@ramincheraghi4235]

S550 looks way better than the s650

[@luisgabrielrosadearaujo1474]

Parecido com o o ex ator Rafael Miguel

[@Sonic_1000]

The Getrag isn't reliable stock.

[@Tikbalang5.0]

I mean, maybe it isn't if you power shift it with those muscles 🤷‍♂️ but its a pretty wide consensus on most forums that if you leave it stock its pretty darn reliable once you learn how to drive it.

[@Sonic_1000]

@@Tikbalang5.0 My 18 snapped on a 1/2 throttle 2-3 shift. They put the revised shift fork but I'd still get lockout shifting at 7100rpm WOT. I don't try and kill it. I've been driving manuals for over 35 years and the MT82 is THE worst I've owned. My Tremec TR6060 in both Camaro's are way better.

[@Tikbalang5.0]

@@Sonic_1000 And just as you have had that unfortunate experience, I've seen many others not have any issue whatsoever (especially with the D4 variant which is what my car has keeping in mind they revised the trans in 2020 or 2021 I don't remember when they did it tbh). But I would argue shotty quality control does not equal or imply an issue with reliability. I'm not saying the MT-82 is better than the tremec and I agree if I had that choice I would take a mustang with a tremec, but my point is in most scenarios the MT82 is an acceptable transmission. Keep in mind the more people shit on the trans, the less likely people will by a manual car (and that in and around itself would be a tragedy considering its already hard enough to get an affordable RWD manual car).

[@Sonic_1000]

@@Tikbalang5.0 You can get the Tremec in the GT350 but it's the 3060. Even the V6 Camaro has the 3060....Dark Horse and Mach 1 get it too. But those are 60+ thousand dollars. The Muncie Getrag was once a top of the line German box and it was known for being bullet proof in the MKIV Supra. Now it's a raggedy Chinese unit used in the Stang to cut corners and cut cost.

[@nozopoke1782]

@@Sonic_10002019 and up mustangs got a revised mt82.

[@WretchedMarauder]

Not to me. It took a long time for the s550 to grow on me but the s650 is beautiful right out the gate

[@joseaguirre744]

Bro was driving a bit too quick on the turns. got me sweating

[@grp5ltdot2024]

w0w

[@michaelb.2892]

first

[@slogeswaran1]

That thing is beast but u driving it like snail

[@XsaviXander]

Automatics are objectively better. You can't dispute this fact with your opinions.

[@xnick58x]

Its ok, you can just say you dont know how to drive stick.

[@XsaviXander]

@@xnick58x Except I do? XD

[@grp5ltdot2024]

tell that to sequential and dog box transmissions :)

[@ChrisZeng-n5y]

new cars are for women.

[@rforracing]

Squared set up on a RWD car? lol soft.

[@nozopoke1782]

Square setup is way better for cornering and handling

[@jeffdurheim9153]

I want one!!! great review top topher :)