The 2014 Mustang GT Blacked Out package represents the final, bold evolution of the iconic fifth-generation Ford Mustang, transforming the already muscular GT into a low-key performance machine. This specific trim level, often referred to as the "Black Appearance Package," was designed to give drivers a more aggressive stance without the significant performance modifications associated with the later Shelby GT350. For enthusiasts, the 2014 model year is the definitive point where this aesthetic vision reached its peak, combining subtle design cues with a menacing presence that remains highly sought after in the used market.
The Genesis of the Blacked Out Look
Before diving into the specifics of the 2014 model, it is essential to understand the context of the Black Appearance Package. Introduced for the 2013 model year, this factory option was an immediate hit for Ford's design team. The goal was to create a visual statement that was cohesive from front to back, moving beyond simple wheel upgrades. The package applied a uniform black theme to nearly every exterior component not painted, creating a seamless and integrated look that made the car's existing performance hardware look even more formidable.
Design Language and Exterior Styling
The most striking feature of the 2014 Mustang GT Blacked Out is its aggressive front fascia. The standard GT's front grille was replaced with a gloss black variant, and the fog light housings were swapped out for blacked-out surrounds. This created a "face" that was significantly darker and more imposing than the standard model. The visual weight is further lowered and widened by 19-inch matte black aluminum wheels, which fill the wheel wells perfectly and accommodate large performance brakes without looking crowded.
Moving to the sides, the package includes blacked-out rearview mirrors and door handles, which streamline the vehicle's profile. The most controversial yet defining element is the blacked-out rear fascia. The standard GT's chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets and trunk garnish were replaced with a cohesive black finish, giving the car a stealth-like appearance from the rear quarter. This attention to detail ensures that the black theme is uninterrupted, making the car look lower and more purposeful even when standing still.
Performance and Mechanical Underpinnings
While the Black Appearance Package is primarily an aesthetic upgrade, it was applied to the highest performance variant available in the regular Mustang lineup: the 5.0-liter V8 GT. This meant that every Blacked Out 2014 Mustang GT retained the legendary Coyote engine, producing 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. This power figure ensures that the visual aggression is backed by serious performance, allowing the car to sprint to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds.
The handling dynamics remain true to the GT heritage, featuring a solid rear axle with a performance-tuned suspension. The blacked-out wheels often hide high-performance tires that provide the necessary grip to handle the power effectively. For drivers seeking an extra level of factory performance, Ford offered the "Handling Package" as an option, which included unique Bilstein shocks and a limited-slip differential, further enhancing the car's dynamics to match its looks.
The Interior Experience
Stepping inside the 2014 Mustang GT Blacked Out reveals a cabin that balances performance luxury with the dark aesthetic. While the seats are comfortably supportive racing buckets, they are upholstered in premium perforated leather rather than the basic cloth found on base models. The interior color is typically a dark charcoal or black, which helps the red contrast stitching on the seats and shifter knob pop visually. The matte black finish on the center console and paddle shifters ties the cabin directly to the exterior theme, creating a unified and sporty environment for the driver.
