Unleashing the Power: Ford Performance’s Evolution
If you’re a Mustang enthusiast, there’s probably one name that rings a bell: Charlie Watson. Formerly with Lebanon Ford and now with Beechmont Ford Performance (BFP), Watson is the man behind dealer-built and dealer-backed supercharged Mustangs that offer incredible power at unbeatable prices. Over the years, the program has evolved and grown, adapting to changing technologies and customer demands. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the evolution of Ford Performance’s offerings and explore the excitement surrounding their collaboration with Whipple.
A Legacy of Power and Performance
It all started in 2016 when Watson introduced the first dealer-built Mustangs at Lebanon Ford. These vehicles came equipped with an Edelbrock blower, producing a massive 727 horsepower for the price of $39,995. The program eventually made its way to Beechmont Ford in Cincinnati, expanding and contracting over the years with the addition of a 725-hp supercharged F-150 in 2019 and a foray into overlanding vans during the pandemic. Despite the changes, the program’s ethos has remained the same: “You imagine, we build.”
Changing Superchargers, Unchanging Passion
One of the highlights of the program’s evolution has been the transition from the Edelbrock ‘charger package to Roush Performance, and finally to Whipple. With each supercharger change, the output and performance of the Mustangs have improved. In 2019, BFP offered a Mustang GT with 750 horsepower and 670 lb-ft of torque for $44,994. Recently, Ford Performance resumed its supercharged street truck game with the supercharged, 700-hp FP700 package for the F-150 pickup, featuring Whipple’s Gen 6 3.0-liter blower. The latest offerings from BFP include a Whipple-equipped Mustang with 810 horsepower and 615 pound-feet of torque, available for just $9,999.
Customer Choice: Power and Performance Matrix
With multiple options available, customers have a choice of supercharger packages that suit their preferences and budgets. BFP still offers the Roush Phase 2 build, delivering 750 hp and 670 lb-ft of torque for $11,450 installed. The Ford Performance build with a Whipple adds an additional 60 horsepower but subtracts 55 lb-ft of torque, priced at $12,600 installed. The decision ultimately depends on how customers want their power delivered and where they want to allocate their budget. According to Jeff Black, BFP’s point man, there is a growing excitement surrounding the Ford Performance/Whipple collaboration.
A Mustang Fan’s Endless Love
To truly understand the passion behind these vehicles, we spoke with one of Watson’s loyal customers, Matt. As a lifelong Mustang enthusiast, Matt has owned various Mustangs throughout his life, including Fox bodies and newer models. After a period without a Mustang, he purchased a 2019 GT hardtop with the Performance Package 2 and later upgraded to the Stage 2 kit. However, he wanted something more. When his brother offered him an ’88 Fox body T-top, Matt sold his ’19 Mustang and invested in the Fox body. Unfortunately, the car was stolen from a repair shop, inspiring Matt to look for another Fox body. Despite the challenges of finding a suitable Fox body on the used market, Matt eventually found a replacement and is excited to build it up to around 500 wheel horsepower.
The Unprecedented Performance of the S650
In the meantime, Matt’s latest Mustang, a 2024 GT convertible with the Performance Package, underwent some impressive modifications. The first phase of the build included the installation of a Whipple unit, Steeda H-pipe resonator delete, Steeda progressive-rate one-inch lowering springs, and various cosmetic enhancements. On the road, the Mustang showcased its incredible handling and power, thanks to ten years of chassis and suspension improvements. Ford Performance knows what it’s doing when it comes to creating a versatile vehicle that can be driven daily or unleashed on the track.
Exciting Times for Mustang Enthusiasts
With an 810-hp Mustang available for just $55,299, there has never been a better time to be a Mustang enthusiast. Ford Performance’s collaboration with Whipple has yielded exceptional results, providing customers with unmatched power and performance. Whether you’re in it for the daily driving experience or the thrill of a Saturday morning blast, these Mustangs deliver on all fronts. As Watson continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the future looks bright for Ford Performance and its loyal customers.
In Conclusion
Ford Performance’s collaboration with Whipple has revolutionized the world of dealer-built Mustangs. With ever-improving supercharger packages, customers have access to unparalleled power and performance at affordable prices. The passion and dedication of the team at Beechmont Ford Performance, led by Charlie Watson, is evident in every vehicle they build. For Mustang enthusiasts like Matt, the endless love affair with these vehicles continues to grow, fueled by the excitement of driving a Mustang that exceeds all expectations. With the S650 on the horizon, the future looks promising for Ford Performance and the Mustang community.
