Ford has announced that they will be bringing back the Mach 1 derivative after a 17-year hiatus. The model will feature as the flagship model of the popular 5.0-litre V8 pony car range. The quest for performance and speed is deep-rooted in the Ford brand as since its creation in 1901, Henry Ford, it has been involved within the
Ford’s quest for speed began with Henry Ford in 1901 and the aerospace environment. Celebrating the brave feat of Chuck Yeager, the first person to break the sound barrier or otherwise known as Mach 1, Ford created the original Mach 1vehicle model in 1969. Subsequently, Ford and its first Mach 1 model continued to set 295 speed and endurance records at the Bonneville Salt Flats situated in the United States of America.
Further bolstering its credentials, Mach 1 teams earned back-to-back SCCA Manufacturer’s Rally Championships in 1969 and 1970, as a result of the added handling capability on the model. The new Mach 1 will bridge the gap between the Mustang GT variants and Shelby derivatives with its functional aerodynamic enhancements, competition-capable suspension upgrades, driver-focused cockpit and powerful V8 engine.
The new Mach 1 will be Ford’s most track-capable Mustang as it features a newly designed front end, performance parts from the Mustang Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500 models and will offer an optional handling package for greater at-limit handling. Under the bonnet is a 5.0-litre V8 engine which has been calibrated to produce performance figures just shy of 360 kW and 570 N.m of torque. This was made possible by utilizing components such as the intake manifold, oil filter adapter and engine oil cooler which is normally found in the Shelby GT350.
The motor comes standard with the same 6-speed manual transmission found in the Shelby GT350 but sees the addition of rev-matching, a first for Ford. Furthermore, the transmission is paired with the GT350 oil cooler system and the Mustang GT’s twin-disc clutch and a short-throw shifter. However, customers can opt for a 10-speed automatic transmission which features an upgraded torque converter, a unique calibration that enables optimizing torque capability, shift character and overall enhanced performance.
Matching the performance under the bonnet and the reputation of the first Mach 1 model, the new variant features a deep 3D mesh grille and a shark-nosed section and includes faux lamp elements. Also featured on the front are new side grilles below each turn signal lamp. Central on the grille is a low-gloss Magnetic pony badge which is matched by the low-gloss Magnetic black accents mirror caps and rear spoiler. In all four corners are new 19-inch Tarnished Dark-painted aluminium wheels which resemble the classic Magnum 500 style wheels found on the original Mach 1.
With the selection of the handling package, exclusively available with the 6-speed manual transmission, the wheels retain its 19-inch radius but feature wider dimensions. The handling package will also result in the fitment of a larger unique higher downforce front splitter, new front wheel lip mouldings, and a low-gloss Magnetic swing spoiler with a Gurney flap and rear tire spats from Shelby GT500.
Paying homage to the original mustang is Satin Black side and bonnet stripes with reflective accents which can be specified in Red, White or Orange. The Mach 1 is available in a variety of colours comprised of Fighter Jet Gray (Appearance Package only), Iconic Silver, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Velocity Blue, Twister Orange, Race Red and Grabber Yellow.
Mirroring the exterior enhancements is a unique Dark Spindrift instrument panel with aluminium accents on the interior. The seats come finished in Ebony and contrasted by an accent stripe hint. Furthermore, the interior sees the addition of 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.
“Bold styling, great acceleration and speed, the Mach 1 has it all. This is one of those special Mustangs that truly bring 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,” Jim Farley, Chief Operating Officer, Ford.
Availability and pricing will be announced closer to the local introduction of the Ford Mustang Mach 1.
