The sixth-generation Mustang came to be in late 2013 and hit showrooms for the 2015 model year. In addition to its new but retro-inspired styling, the sixth-gen Mustang also debuted a new interior styling and, for the first time, an independent rear suspension. The redesigned pony also market the return of the four-cylinder engine after several decades, in the from of a 2.3-liter EcoBoost. The other two engine options include a 3.7-liter V-6 and a 5.0-liter V-8.
It's been nearly three years since the muscle car made its official debut, and it has already received a handful of updates from Shelby and several aftermarket tuning companies. However, we have yet to see a sixth-gen car bearing the famous Hurst badge, with the latest model to do so tracing back to 2010. Fortunately, this changes for the 2017 model, as supercharging specialist Kenne Bell has just unveiled the Hurst R-Code Mustang.
Bestowed with two legendary badges, this custom, limited-edition Mustang also appears to pay tribute to the first-generation model by wearing the R-Code denomination. First introduced in 1969 for models with the 428CJ engine -- some say design to smoke Chevy Camaros on the drag strip -- it was used until the early 1970s and now adorns some of the most expensive and highly sought-after classic Mustangs. Is a new 'Stang worthy of such a name? Based on the monster under the hood and the unique exterior I'd say yes, but you can find out for yourself in the review below.
Keep reading to find out more about the Hurst Kenne Bell R-Code Mustang.
2017 Hurst Kenne Bell R-Code Mustang
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- Model: 2017 Hurst Kenne Bell R-Code Mustang
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Exterior
A significantly more aggressive take on the standard model, the bespoke coupe is packed with Kenne Bell and Hurst extras on the outside. Up front, the 'Stang gained a new main grille with the "Hurst" emblem, a revised lower intake, and a massive splitter underneath the bumper. A more important addition is the beefed-up engine hood that features functional cooling vents just above the nose. The "Kenne Bell R-Code" lettering just above the main grille and the "Supercharged" badge on each side of the hood will notify onlookers that this Mustang is not of the factory-built variety.
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Onto the sides, the coupe stands out by ways of aggressive side skirts with vertical aero fins and a set of custom 20-inch wheels finished in high-sheen chrome and gold accents. Options also include anthracite, black, and chrome highlights. Naturally, more "Hurst" and "Kenne Bell" logos are present on the front fenders. Things get even more menacing around back, where the Mustang received a big Daytona-style spoiler and a race-inspired diffuser with quad exhaust pipes. The same "Hurst" and "Kenne Bell R-Code" emblems can be seen on the trunklid, while the factory "Mustang" lettering between the taillights has been replaced with "Hurst."
Finally, the car is finished in a classic Hurst paint scheme with white sides and gold hood, roof, trunklid, and wing accents. Outside the wheels, which are too flashy for my taste, this Mustang is plain gorgeous to look at and reminds me why vintage Hurst-modified muscle cars are so expensive nowadays.
Interior
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The interior is also packed with aftermarket features. The first things that catch the eye are the bucket seats wrapped in black and white Katzkin leather and highlighted by contrasting topstitching and embroidered "Hurst" logos. The door panels and console lid have matching white leather inserts and contrast stitching, while the plush carpet mats have the same "Hurst" logo as the seats. Naturally, the car is also equipped with a Hurst shifter with reverse lockout, as well as a small plate that reads "shift as hard as you please but don't break your arm."
Don't laugh, there's nothing funny about a Hurst shifter...
Speaking of plates and labels, there's also a number dash plaque for each of the 50 examples Kenne Bell plans to build. Other extra features compared to the standard Mustang include a supercharger start/stop button and custom door sill plates with "Hurst," "Kenne Bell," and "R-Code" logos.
Drivetrain
Under the hood of this Hurst-badged beast lurks a 5.0-liter "Coyote" V-8 engine strapped to a 3.2-liter, Kenne Bell supercharger. The twin-screw, liquid-cooled blower turns the already powerful V-8 into a 750-horsepower mammoth. For reference, the standard Mustang GT comes with "only" 435 horsepower. Supercharger aside, the engine also received a 168mm throttle body and a 4.5-inch cold air intake.
There's no word as to how quick this car is, but it's safe to assume it needs less than 3.5 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start.
To keep all that oomph on its best behavior, Kenne Bell also added a few chassis updates into the mix. The muscle car rides on a set of lowered Hurst springs in Gold Hammertone finish and a set of 20-inch wheels wrapped in Nitto high-performance tires. There's also a custom four wheel alignment and tire pressure sensors on all four wheels.
Optionally, you can get "Powered by Ford" custom painted, hand lettered valve covers. A larger supercharger is also available, alongside a power increase to well over 1,500 horsepower. Insane!
Competing Performance
Although significantly more powerful than factory built muscle cars, the Hurst Kenne Bell Mustang gets plenty of competition from similar, aftermarket builders. If you're a Camaro guy, the SC630 package will tweak the SS' V-8 engine to 630 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque. Granted, that's more than 100 horses below the Kenne Bell package, but I have a feeling Callaway will be more than happy to add more oomph for the right fee. If you're looking for matching numbers in a Camaro, you can take it to Hennessey Performance for its HPE750 upgrade. Based on the ZL1, it boasts 750 horsepower and loads of performance-oriented engine parts. For Mopar fans, Hennessey also upgrades Dodge Challengers, including the Hellcat. Available with the HPE850 upgrade, it comes to your door with 852 horsepower and 845 pound-feet of torque, just enough to beat the Kenne Bell Mustang in a drag race.
Prices
Pricing is not yet available, but given that production is limited to only 50 units, don't expect it to be cheap. The upgrade is available for 2015 to 2017 model year Mustangs GTs and comes with a place in the Hurst Kenne Bell R-Code Mustang registry, a personal letter of congratulations from Kenne Bell and a certificate of authenticity suitable for framing. Oh, and its 50-state street legal.
Competition
Callaway Camaro
Redesigned for the 2016 model year, the Camaro received its own share of aftermarket upgrades. If you're looking for a cool package from Chevy's traditional tuner, the Callaway SC630 is the vehicle you should look up. Based on the Camaro SS, is features a TVS2300 supercharger alongside the 6.2-liter V-8 engine and comes with 630 horsepower and 610 pound-feet on tap. Like Kenne Bell, Callaway also offers visual and aerodynamic updates, as well as branded features, including sill panels, badges, floor mats, and key fobs. Pricing starts from $16,995 not including the base car. This means $54,855 and $59,895 for a Callaway SC630 based on the 1SS or 2SS trims, respectively.
Find out more about the Callaway Camaro here.
Dodge Challenger Hellcat by Hennessey
Needless to say, the Challenger Hellcat is already plenty powerful for the Kenne Bell Mustang at 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque, but if you're looking to really humiliate your neighbor that just got one, the Hennessey HPE850 upgrade is everything you need. With upgraded tuning software, a high-flow air induction system, and lower pulley update, the Hellcat leaves Hennessey's shop with 852 horsepower and 845 pound-feet of twist at its disposal. This should lower the 0-to-60 mph sprint below the three-second mark, while the quarter-mile should take less than 11 seconds on street tires.
Find out more about the Dodge Challenger Hellcat by Hennessey here.
Conclusion
If you're a fan of vintage muscle cars, you just gotta love Hurst for the unique vehicles it built in the 1960s and 1970s. Granted, Hurst isn't what it used to be and Linda Vaughn is too old to pose half-naked around cars, but the Hurst shifter and the gold livery are still powerful if used correctly. The fact that this Mustang also gets a handful of drivetrain upgrades from Kenne Bell makes it that much more exciting. Sure, you can get the same amount of power (and even more) from Shelby or other aftermarket shops, but they don't always come in a limited edition and an appearance that will make you stand out at any Mustang or muscle car meeting.