Manoli Katakis 
October 14 marks the 73rd anniversary of the first known supersonic flight achieved by mankind. Mach 1. Chuck Yaeger achieved this milestone in 1947 with the X-1 rocket plane over Rogers Dry Lake in southern California, and since then that record has been surpassed several times over. In fact, on October 3, 1967, the X-15 set and continues to hold the record for fastest manned aircraft, at Mach 6.72 (4,520) – nearly seven times faster than the initial milestone. Anyway, with today being the fourteenth of October, there’s more news about the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1, one we’ve been patiently waiting for.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 price starts at $51,720, plus $1,195 destination and delivery charge. This effectively splits the difference between the outgoing Mustang Bullitt that stickered at $46,705 and the beloved Mustang Shelby GT350, which carried an MSRP of $59,140. Order books open today, and the Mach 1 will arrive in Canadian and USA dealerships by spring of 2021.
That said, if horsepower, loud noises, and pissing excellence is all you’re looking for, The 2021 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack with 485 horsepower from its 392 Hemi V8 engine is currently marked at $39,995. Will it dance around the road course like the Mustang will? No. But, it’s definitely a benchmark in Power-per-Dollar. Just as well, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE – arguably the most direct competitor to the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 – stickers at $45,495 including destination. It may be slightly down on horsepower, at 455 hp, but the lithe Camaro SS 1LE has been a thorn in the Mustang’s side for many comparison tests.
As MC&T first confirmed, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 will be sold in global Mustang markets where the Shelby GT350 and GT500 are not permitted, such as the European Union. Production volume remains a closely guarded secret, as Mustang Marketing Manager Jim Owens tells us that the new muscle car “won’t be built to demand”. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 price is unknown for other markets at the time of this writing.
2021 Mustang Mach 1 model is all about bold styling, great acceleration and outright speed. Starting with the latter, the Mach 1 is powered by a specially-tuned variant of the 5.0L V8 engine, producing 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, just like the Mustang Bullitt it’s replacing. But it’s more than just a re-skinned Bullitt, as there are several parts pulled from the Shelby portfolio, as well. The Tremec 3160 6-speed manual transmission is pulled right from the GT350, and now for the first time it offers active rev-matching capabilities in the Mach 1. Buyers can also spec the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with an upgraded torque converter, tuned to maximize the engine torque available from the 5.0L.
Under the hood, the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 and its 5.0L V8 receive revised versions of the Shelby GT350’s intake manifold, oil filter adapter, and engine oil cooler, which helps to increase engine oil cooling capability by 50 percent over the standard car.
For more on track cooling capability, Ford has also fit the Mach 1 with the rear axle cooling system and lower diffuser from the almighty Shelby GT500. Yes, even GT500 parts can be found here. Combine that with the rear subframe, stiffer bushings, and a rear toe-link borrowed from the GT500, and the intention for the Mach 1 is clear: a track star that seeks to out-run the Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE.
Other performance oriented hardware includes the latest version of Ford’s MagneRide suspension system, the short throw shifter from the Mustang GT Performance Pack cars, a stiffer steering I-shaft, new EPAS calibration, stiffer sway bars and front springs, and the brake booster from the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2. However, much of the Mach 1’s newfound capabilities come from its improved aerodynamics. That all starts with the new underbelly pan, which extends a full 20 inches further rearward than it does on the GT Performance Pack models. This helps to clean up the air under the car, and thanks to some integrated fins, it also helps with cooling the brakes. Not bad for a Mustang. Thanks to the front splitter optimized for the new fascia paired with a rear spoiler, the Mach 1 produces 22 percent more downforce than a GT equipped with Performance Pack Level 1.
Opt for the manual-exclusive Handling Package, and downforce improves 150 percent over the Mustang GT. The Handling Package includes a larger high downforce front splitter, new wheel lip moldings up front, a low-gloss Magnetic swing spoiler with a Gurney flap, and the rear tire spats from the GT500.
As a bit of a throwback, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-1 features a pair of placeholders where a set of rally lights would be, as seen in the original Mach-1. Ford tells us that these circular panels can simply be popped out, and the aftermarket (which doesn’t have to deal with the prohibitively expensive rigors of re-engineering a front fascia in the name of compliance), can provide a solution to customers looking to fit throwback rally lights if they so choose. Historically, the Ford Mustang Mach-1 took home a pair of SCCA Manufacturer’s Rally Championships in 1969 and 1970.
Aside from the rally light placeholders, the new Mustang Mach-1 visually separates itself from its stablemates with unique paint options, unique wheels, a specific aero kit, and an oh-so-cool orange/gray stripe option.
If you think the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 price is worth it, you better get yours before they’re all gone.
