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• Mustang Mach 1 returns after 17 years
• Powered by 360kW V8 engine
• Both a manual and automatic transmission available on 2021 Mach 1
Rejoice, Ford Mustang fans, because, after a 17-year hiatus, the Mustang Mach 1 fastback coupe makes its return. Ford says that its Mach 1 bridges the gap between the Mustang GT and Shelby models, but not foregoing any of the performance associated with the Mustang name.
Ford South Africa says the model is yet to be confirmed for local arrival, but we're keeping our fingers crossed that it will make it's way to our shores.
Elements to the Mach 1 include unique aerodynamic enhancements, competition-capable suspension upgrades, and a driver-focused cockpit.
Jim Farley, Ford's chief operating officer, says: "This is one of those special Mustangs that truly brings a smile to the faces of our owners, enthusiasts and fans - including me - so there's never been a better time to bring back Mach 1 and have it go global too."
Can you recall any of the Mach 1 models in the Mustang's history? Email us.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Image: Ford Media
Intent made clear
Ford says it not only made changes to the Mach 1's engine but its design, as well. This includes a newly designed front end, as well as Ford Performance parts from the Mustang Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500. A Handling Pack as also been added to the mix.
The Mach 1's grille is a throwback to the one fitted on the original car and features a 3D, shark-nosed section and faux lamp elements. New side grilles are brought on below each of the turn signal lamps. Satin Black side and hood stripes are included with reflective accent stripes in any of three colours: Red, White and Orange (Appearance Package only).
READ: Reviving the past - Ford to bring Mustang Mach 1 back to life in 2021
Exterior colour options include the Mach 1 exclusive Fighter Jet Gray (Appearance Package only), as well as Iconic Silver, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Velocity Blue, Twister Orange, Race Red, and Grabber Yellow.
The interior features a Dark Spindrift instrument panel with aluminum accents. Ebony seats with an accent stripe hint at Mach 1 heritage in cars equipped with a leather interior. Other interior upgrades include new door sill plates, an updated splash screen on the 12.3-inch all-LCD instrument cluster, a white cue ball shift knob, and engraved badging that displays the vehicle's unique chassis number.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Image: Ford Media
V8 power
Wheels24 reported in May that the new Mustang Mach 1 would feature the current GT's 5.0-litre V8 engine. Now, though, Ford confirmed the car's power output, as well as which gearboxes will send said power to the rear wheels.
Ford announced that the V8 engine produces 480 horsepower, which translates to around 360kW. Torque is rated at 570Nm - up by 40 over the Mustang GT's output. To achieve these figures, Ford integrated components from the Shelby GT350 like the intake manifold, oil filter adapter and engine oil cooler, and increasing engine oil cooling capability by 50%.
READ: Galloping in Ford's Mustang V8 through the ghostly town of Montagu
The Mustang Mach 1 is available with a choice of two gearboxes: Ford's 10-speed automatic transmission or the six-speed manual as found in the Bullitt. The above-mentioned Handling Package is solely available on the manual model, which is aimed at increasing high-speed stability. The automatic gearbox features an upgraded torque converter and unique calibration that enable optimised torque capability, shift character, and overall enhanced performance. A second air-to-oil cooler increases cooling capacity by 75%.
To improve ride and handling, the Mach 1 features the latest MagneRide calibration, a stiffer steering I-shaft, stiffer sway bars and front springs, a brake booster from the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2, a rear subframe with stiffer bushings, and a rear toe-link from the Shelby GT500.
2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Image: Ford Media
Compiled by: Charlen Raymond
