Unveiled in 2013, the sixth-generation Mustang marked the beginning of a new era for the iconic pony car, one that brought an independent rear suspension for the first time and revived the turbocharged 'Stang after a long hiatus. Revised for 2018, it received a 10-speed transmission, also a first, and a performance package that made the GT version the quickest in history with a 0-to-60 mph sprint of fewer than four seconds. But Ford didn't stop there, and after just a few months it launched the Performance Pack Level 2 for the range-topping GT model.

Unveiled at the SEMA Show, the place where the world's most spectacular aftermarket upgrades are introduced to the world, Level 2 is essentially an update to the first Performance Pack. It includes everything that comes with the latter but adds redesigned aero elements front and rear, new tires and wheels, and new suspension parts and settings. The purpose of the Level 2 upgrade is to make the Mustang GT even faster than it already is and turn it into a better competitor for German coupes such as the BMW M4. Also, the Mustang GT with Performance Pack Level 2 may be a solid proposition to the Porsche 911 Carrera. Which is a big achievement for a pony car. Find our more about that below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2.

What makes the Ford Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 special

The Performance Pack Level 2 may not do much to alter the Mustang GT's appearance at first glance, but look closer and you'll see a new splitter below the front bumper. Designed around the splitter of the iconic Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, it's attached to the underside to fan out as much as three inches around the corners. This creates about 24 pounds of extra downforce at 80 mph, helping give the car enhanced grip. To balance the downforce, a subtle rear spoiler was added atop the decklid.

The spoiler was created with a 3D printer, which enabled quicker turnaround times, eliminating much of the time wasted on the usual trial-and-error process. What's more, both the splitter and the spoiler were designed by Mustang veteran Jonathan Gesek, also a former aerodynamics specialist at NASA.

Other features that set it apart from the first Performance Package model are the split-fitment, 19-inch aluminum wheels and the lowered ride height. The rollers were designed by longtime tire and wheel engineer Chauncy Eggleston. Wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tire, the 19-inch wheels help provide improved steering and handling response.

Finally, the package is rounded off by black detailing on the splitter and spoiler, the tire spat on the back edge of the rear wheel wells, which are exclusive to this upgrade.

Everything remains unchanged inside the cabin, but customers who opt for Performance Pack Level 2 can select Recaro front seats in either leather or cloth.

There are no changes to the 5.0-liter V-8 engine, but the unit already benefits from the extra oomph that comes with the facelift. Specifically, it cranks out 460 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, a 25-horsepower and 20 pound-feet improvement over the previous Mustang GT. The package is available exclusively with a manual transmission, so forget about that new 10-speed automatic transmission if you want this upgrade.

Before we move further, it's important to note that the Performance Pack Level 2 includes all of the features of Performance Pack Level 1. That's a unique chassis and antilock brake tuning, unique stability control and electric power-assisted steering, Brembo six-piston front brake calipers with larger rotors, a K-brace, larger radiator, silver-painted strut tower brace, and a Torsen rear differential with 3.73 axle ratio.

In addition to that, it sports custom-tuned MagneRide dampers and quicker steering calibration for better response, new stabilizer bars, and stiffer springs. The rear stabilizer bar is 67-percent stiffer, while the rear bar is 12-percent firmer. Likewise, the Level 2 bundle has 20-percent stiffer front springs and 13-percent stiffer rear spring. These updates provide a more stable ride around corners with less body roll. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, usually found on high-profile sports cars, are 1.5 inches wider than those offered with the Performance Pack Level 1. They provide a firmer grip and put the car more than a half-inch closer to the ground.

There's no word on performance yet, but this performance pack could make the Mustang GT a tenth-second quicker than it already is. A 3.8-second sprint from 0 to 60 mph seems doable and makes the GT quicker than a lot of significantly more expensive alternatives made in Germany.

References

Ford Mustang

Read our full review on the 2018 Ford Mustang.

Read more news on the 2017 SEMA Show.