The new Ford Mustang Mach 1, marked out by its uprated V8, bespoke styling and track-focused chassis set-up, has gone on sale in the UK from £55,185, ahead of deliveries in summer.
Ford claims the Mach 1 is "the fastest production Mustang around a track ever offered to customers in Europe". The new addition bridges the gap between the standard Mustang and the high-performance GT500 tuned by US outfit Shelby, essentially replacing the GT350, which bowed out of production last year. The Mustang range is now V8-only in Europe, following the recent withdrawal of the entry-level 2.3-litre Ecoboost option.
As with previous Mach 1 Mustangs - none of which have been sold here - the latest iteration is set apart from the standard car with a performance-oriented bodywork package, the most obvious element of which is its bespoke ‘shark-nosed’ front end, which has been designed for optimum aerodynamic efficiency and features a unique 3D grille, mock retro-style light designs and new air intakes. Together with an extended underbody chassis tray, the improvements mean the Mach 1 offers 22% more downforce than a Mustang GT with the Performance Pack.
Low-gloss trim elements, including the mirror caps, spoiler and badges, are said to “provide a premium look”, and a bespoke set of 19in, five-spoke aluminium wheels are inspired by the Magnum 500 items worn by the original Mach 1.
The Mustang Mach 1 makes 454bhp and 390lb ft from an uprated version of the Mustang’s 5.0-litre V8, with subtle increases coming courtesy of an intake manifold, oil cooler and oil filter adapter borrowed from the Shelby GT350.
Performance figures have yet to be confirmed, but the aerodynamic and mechanical tweaks mean the Mach 1 is likely to comfortably beat the standard car’s 4.3sec 0-62mph time and 155mph top speed.
As standard, the Mach 1 sends its power to the rear axle by way of a six-speed manual gearbox - also a Shelby item - which has been equipped with rev-matching, and is mated to the twin-disc clutch and short-throw gearstick from the Mustang GT. A 10-speed automatic gearbox is available for a premium of £2000.
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The 350 had a flat plane crank and was an altogether more serious piece of kit. This isn't really a replacement for that car.
Get it while you can folks you won't be able toget anything like this at this price for much longer! have mine inTwister Orange with a black stripe
IMO, the Bullitt edition still looks better.