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2021 MUSTANG MACH 1: THE ULTIMATE COYOTE V8 MUSTANG

The Icon Is Reborn After A 17-Year Hiatus

2021 Mustang Mach 1 Ford
Image via Ford.

Ford have just unveiled the all new 2021 Mustang Mach 1, marking a comeback that the storied nameplate has been applied to the muscle car in 17 years. Representing the very best of what the 5.0L Coyote V8-powered cars have to offer, this new Ford Mustang Mach 1 model is ready to do service on race tracks across the globe.

According to Ford COO Jim Farley, this all new 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 a Bullitt-matching 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque in this guise. The Tremec 3160 6-speed manual transmission from the mighty Mustang Shelby GT350 is the standard box, and for the first time it offers active rev-matching capabilities. 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.

Image Courtesy of Ford.

The transmission isn’t the only part that Ford has borrowed from their lethal Shelby models to create the Mach 1. Under the hood, the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 and its 5.0L V8 receive revised versions of the 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. 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.

Other performance oriented hardware includes the latest version of Ford’s MagneRide suspension system, the short throw shifter from the 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.

2021 Mustang Mach 1
Image Courtesy of Ford.

It is much easier to see the other aerodynamic changes that Ford have made to the 2021 Mustang Mach 1, as the car is visually much different than other lesser Mustangs. A new two-piece upper grille with a new 3D mesh section, traditional faux fog lights (which look ready to get swapped out for aftermarket solutions), a new lower grille and valance, and new side grilles combine to make the Mach 1 look as ready for track work as it’s hardware is. 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 that increase jumps up to a ridiculous 150 percent. 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.

Image Courtesy of Ford.

The 2021 Mustang Mach 1 will be offered in 8 exterior color options, including the model-exclusive Fighter Jet Gray (Appearance Package only), as well as Ionic Silver, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Velocity Blue, Twister Orange, Race Red and Grabber Yellow. The traditional Mach 1 stripe package is also available for the new model, with buyers being able to choose between red, white, or Orange (Appearance Package only). Inside, you’ll find unique touches such as a Dark Spindrift instrument panel with aluminum accents, new door sill plates, an updated splash screen on the 12.3 -inch all- LCD instrument cluster, a white cue ball shift knob, engraved badging that displays the vehicle’s chassis number, and ebony leather seats featuring an accent stripe for buyer who opt for the steer skins.

The 2021 Mustang Mach 1 is an icon reborn, and it may just become the sweet spot in the Mustang lineup. While we don’t have pricing information for you at this time, we do know that Mach 1’s will be hitting North American dealerships by spring 2021. Keep an eye out for more information about this special-edition Mustang, as we will update you as soon as we know more.

2021 Mustang Mach 1
Image Courtesy of Ford.

Written by Lucas Bell

Lucas holds a journalism degree from Wayne State University, and is a Automotive Press Association scholarship recipient. While an American muscle fan through and through, he once wrote a fascinating comparison review about eScooters.

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