2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 arrives with Shelby underpinnings
Just a few days after we got a peek at a camouflaged test prototype of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1, the Blue Oval has revealed the limited-edition production-spec car online. Like the original 1969 Mach 1, the latest iteration also offers a dynamic blend of track-ready performance and V8 power.
By Divyank K. Bansal
Like the original, the all-new limited-edition 2021 Mustang Mach 1 continues to bridge the gap between Mustang GT (5.0-litre V8) and Shelby (5.2-litre V8) models. It also gets a lot of revised Shelby components from the hotter GT350 & GT500.
Just a few days after we got a peek at a camouflaged test prototype of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1, the Blue Oval has revealed the limited-edition production-spec car online. Like the original 1969 Mach 1, the latest iteration also offers a dynamic blend of track-ready performance and V8 power. Thus, the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 can be labelled as the 'most track-ready 5.0-litre Mustang to date', courtesy of borrowed Shelby performance parts from the GT350 & GT500.
In terms of styling, the 2021 Mach 1 takes its inspiration from the original Mach 1, especially with the round inlets in the new 3-D mesh grille (which now serve as functional air scoops instead of headlight housings) and the satin black side & hood stripes. To give the 2021 Mach 1 its distinct identity, Ford designers have gone through the trouble of giving the car a completely reworked front fascia.
Though we were expecting the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 to be more powerful than the 2019 Mustang Bullitt, the 5.0-litre V8 produces the same 480bhp & 567Nm in both models. However, the Mach 1 gets an additional 10-speed SelectShift automatic gearbox option alongside the standard Tremec 6-speed manual gearbox from Ford Performance. The 6-speed unit, borrowed from the Shelby GT350, also gets a rev-matching function for smoother shifts. A new & longer underbelly pan, special airfoils in the brake cooling ramps and stiffer suspension components are the key highlights of the 2021 Mach 1's aerodynamic & handling prowess.
The interior of the 2021 Mach 1 also gets some bespoke elements, like a unique 12.3-inch Dark Spindrift instrument panel (with an updated splash screen) with aluminium accents, new door sill plates, a white cue ball gearshift knob, and engraved badging that displays the vehicle’s unique chassis number.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 will go on sale in the American & Canadian markets in the Spring of 2021.
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