Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Pinterest
Flipboard
Email
Messenger
WhatsApp
2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Brings Muscle to the Track
The Ford Mustang needs no introduction. Known for the iconic roar of its dolcite V8, its covetable racing record and for being cooler than the other side of the pillow, the irreverent pony car is well and truly entering middle age with over fifty years of history behind it. And while some of us are on to our second marriage and considering hair plugs by middle age, the new release and revamped Mustang Mach 1 is Ford’s way of raging against the dying of the light.
A tribute to the golden age of Ford muscle cars, the Mach 1 holds the crown as the most ‘Track-Focused Mustang’ ever produced by the American marque. Introducing an enhanced powertrain and aerodynamic features for the most agile and expertly tuned V* that’s been power boosted to 345kW, the Mach 1 is the epitome of a Mustang driving experience. With only 700 cars available to Australia – and the majority of them already taken for delivery – the Mach 1 is marketed as the muscle enthusiast’s weekender.
Retailing for $83,365 – a stone’s throw for $20k more than the standard offering Mustang – the Mach 1 finds its value in being track-ready right out of the box. With 22% more downforce due to aerodynamic panelling, an improved brake-booster and a comprehensive cooling system including a dedicated cooling set-up for the transmission and the differential. The dynamic ‘Magneride’ suspension system will automatically adjust the fluid within the dampers to change to road conditions in real-time.
In terms of performance, the Mach 1 features a power boosted [email protected] version of the standard offering Mustang’s 5.0L specifically modified V8 engine. The short-shift six-speed transmission is satisfyingly accessible through the pool ball gear shift and the Mach 1 feels comfortable to push past the 7500rpm whereas the regular GT would struggle. Something else new is the ability for the Mach 1 to flat-shift between gears meaning you don’t need to lift the clutch between clutching each gear.
As far as looks go, the lucky few who will be getting their hands on the Mustang Mach 1 will be able to select from five body colours with bonnet and side stripe combinations. These include; Fighter Jet Gray, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Velocity Blue and Twister Orange. We’re tipping our hat to the creatively named ‘Twister Orange’ as it’s by far the gaudiest and if you’re buying a Mach 1 it’d be remiss to not share it.
A release that’s aptly exclusive enough to be limited to true pundits, the Mustang Mach 1 is bringing back the golden era of pony cars. While the regular GT will turn heads on the streets, the Mach 1 is going to be under the gaze of covetous eyes at track days across the country for years to come. In summary, its bold up-spec componentry, pre-installed track upgrades and finely tuned engine make it one of, if not the best track day car available for under six figures.
Alex de Crespigny
Alex is a Sydney-based writer and former editorial coordinator at Man of Many. With extensive experience covering fashion, entertainment and cultural affairs, Alex's helped steer the Man of Many editorial direction for over three years. He holds a Bachelor of Media (PR & Advertising) from UNSW.
