Ford Mustang Mach 1 2021 UK first drive

Ask anyone at the Blue Oval and they’ll tell you there’s plenty of life left in the Ford Ford Mustang yet - but given that Ford  has promised its entire European line-up will be available as a plug-in hybrid or full EV by 2026, you can’t help feeling time is running out for the naturally aspirated V8. Best make sure this latest pony car is a corker, then. 

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 effectively replaces the Mustang GT350 that went off sale in the US last year, and is no mere styling pack. A combination of transmission, suspension and bodywork upgrades make this the most track-friendly slice of American muscle Ford has ever officially sold on this side of the Atlantic. 

A bespoke front splitter, underfloor chassis tray and rear diffuser deliver a combined 22% of extra downforce over the regular Mustang GT, while the new-look front end has been sculpted for optimum aerodynamic performance. The front and rear subframes have been uprated, and the MagneRide adaptive suspension has been given a unique Mach 1 calibration, with stiffer springs and tighter anti-roll bars. 

Power isn’t the name of the game here, although the 5.0-litre engine has received a mild power hike. A new intake manifold, oil cooler and oil filter have helped liberate an additional 11bhp over the Mustang GT, for a total output of 454bhp and 390lb ft. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a Shelby-sourced six-speed manual transmission, which now includes rev matching and a short-throw shifter for sharper gearchanges. 

It's immediately obvious the upgrades have had the intended effect, the uniquely calibrated steering providing much more feel without adding artificial weight. This is still a heavy car with most of its weight at the front, but overall balance is surprisingly well maintained.

The wider wheels (up from 9.5in to 10.5in at the front and 10in to 11in at the rear) provide noticeably more contact with the road. Driven with a focus on lap time rather than drift angle, the rear doesn’t feel as loose as you’d expect from a car with a reputation for “watch this” moments that end up on YouTube - though it can still be lairy, and the limits of grip quickly run out when pressing on with steering lock applied. 

The eight-cylinder soundtrack can make you feel like a hooligan at any speed, sounding menacing at idle and truly raucous as you climb towards the redline. Rev matching is handled well, not blipping while you’re still mid-gearchange, and the shifter itself feels wonderfully precise now.