If you’re new to performance cars, you may soon learn that it feels like they have a whole different language than that of your typical sedan, SUV, or truck. For example, if you’ve test driven the latest Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback, you may have found yourself slightly perplexed by some of the numbers you saw on the dash. If you’re unsure what terms like Chassis M0488 mean, here’s how to interpret these performance car numbers.

A look at the 2022 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback

Before getting into the dashboard terms, if you haven’t had a chance to examine an EcoBoost Fastback up close, you should. This slickly designed Ford model starts at $27,470 and is so named because of its unique 2.3L EcoBoost engine that generates 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, independent rear suspension, and power-assisted steering, though optional performance upgrades are available.  

The inside is relatively snug, but most buyers aren’t looking at a vehicle like the EcoBoost to take kids to hockey games. A tiny 4.2-inch infotainment screen comes with the base model, which increases to 8.0-inches on the higher-level Premium trim. The infotainment system is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though built-in navigation requires an upcharge. Other amenities available on the Premium trim include a 12.0-inch digital cluster display and a 12-speaker audio system (a six-speaker system comes standard).

But with any model of Mustang, chances are you’re more concerned about the performance than anything. And Ford aims to please with several optional performance packages, such as the EcoBoost Handling Package, which comes with larger tires, and souped-up damping and braking systems. The 2.3L High Performance Pack is also highly recommended for those looking to tear up the road. This package includes not only the options found in the EcoBoost Handling Package but also enhanced springs, brake rotors, and exterior styling.

What do the badges on the passenger side of the dash mean?

If you’ve been inside a Ford Mustang Ecoboost Fastback, you may have seen a specialized badge on the passenger side of the dash. The gray badge notes you’ve purchased the High Performance 2.3L Package. But it also includes the word “Chassis” followed by several numbers. What exactly does this mean, and why did Ford place this badge?

As per Ford Authority, which reached out to the automaker for clarification, Ford places dash badges like these inside other performance cars like the Shelby GT350. The EcoBoost Fastback is similarly designed with performance in mind, so Ford included a similar badge.

As to what it means, the letter denotes the year the vehicle came off the assembly line, and the numbers represent the order in which it was produced that year. That’s a pretty cool bit of information that car enthusiasts, particularly, will appreciate.

How else can you enhance your Mustang EcoBoost Fastback?

In addition to the 2.3L High Performance Pack, Ford offers several other bundles, such as the Black Accent Package with Striking Wheel Design, the Wheel & Stripe Package, the Security Package, and the Ford Safe and Smart Package. The Black Accent Package with Striking Wheel Design comes with sizeable black aluminum wheels, specialty badging, roof styling, and a spoiler. The Wheel & Stripe Package also enlarges the wheels and provides striped exterior styling.

The Security Package provides you with Ford’s best available anti-theft options. At the same time, the Ford Safe and Smart Package adds advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and voice-controlled built-in navigation. The EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium offer a relatively robust set of advanced safety features, such as automatic braking, auto high beams, lane-keeping assistance, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and blind-spot monitoring, but the Ford Safe and Smart Package is a nice addition.

You can also equip your EcoBoost Fastback dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, a six-way adjustable power driver’s seat, a four-way power passenger’s seat, and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford is determined to let you have your Mustang your way with these great options. But if you want your EcoBoost fastback to include its assembly information in a handsome badge inside, you’ll need to buy it with the 2.3L High Performance Package.