Steeda's 480bhp Q500 Enforcer Is The Mustang Europe Needs Right Now

This beauty is the Q500 Enforcer. We first brought you news of it last week, including a teaser shot, but now we can let our greedy eyes roam its panels in full.

So, here’s what you need to know. With no forced induction the firm has added 70bhp and over 70lb ft of torque to the Mustang GT’s meaty 5.0-litre V8, for outputs of 480bhp and 475lb ft – although the latter is said to be a cautious estimate…

A new cold air induction system is key, increasing and stabilising a flow of colder air that can then be exploited by a remap and a freer-breathing exhaust. It should sound mega.

We’ve not been given performance data but we’d imagine the extra girth in the trouser department would shave a handsome amount off the standard car’s 4.8-second 0-62mph time. We’re awaiting official figures and will update this piece if we get them.

Steeda knows a thing or two about tuning Fords as part of its turnkey SSV range. It has been making fast Fords even faster for decades, but speed always has to be tempered with control. There’s good news, then, with the Q500 having been developed on Steeda’s own track in Georgia, plus tracks like Sebring and Homestead Miami.

Its new, adjustable suspension is backed by thicker front and rear anti-roll bars – both adjustable – with solid billet ends and mounts. Steeda supplies its own progressive springs and strut tower braces, plus stiffer bushes at the rear.

The Enforcer sits a gnat’s kneecap lower than standard, but the setup has been matched to provide factory-like comfort with sharper turn-in, a “much more planted” rear axle and “a noticeable reduction in wheel hop and deflection that can affect the standard Mustang.”

The car in the pictures has the optional Steeda Coilover Kit. It supplies fully-adjustable dampers all round, with height adjustment for the front to lower the nose right down for track blasts.

Also for the circuit is a heavy-duty Tremec Magnum XL six-speed manual gearbox. You get a choice of gear ratios, the option to upgrade the clutch and driveshafts as well, and brake upgrades come in the shape of new vented discs.

An optional Velgen wheel package adds 20-inch wheels that are identical in weight to the factory 19s. They bring with them Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres for all the grip you’re ever likely to need. On the other hand, Steeda is also offering 19-inch wheel upgrades if you feel like keeping the ride quality a bit more civilised.

The only dealer in the UK is franchised Ford site Haynes of Maidstone, in Kent, which makes it quite a long way from anywhere that isn’t south east of London. The Enforcer does get a full Ford-backed warranty, at least, as well as a damn cool name.

It costs £8998 over and above the base price for a Mustang GT, plus any additional options. If it drives as well as it looks like it should, buyers are in for a treat.