The Sound of Speed |
Back in 1969, breaking the sound barrier was still a thing, so when Ford was searching for a moniker for a performance-oriented mass-produced option package of the Mustang (Shelby’s were still limited specials back then, Roush and Saleen didn’t exist, and Vaughn Gitten of RTR was still only a glint in his dad’s eyes) the term describing the speed of sound made a lot of sense.
Initially introduced for the 1969 model year, the Mustang Mach 1 was available until 1978 and returned briefly in 2003 and 2004. Now it is back again and available in South Africa for the first time as an exclusive limited-edition model. Only 90 units have been made available (75 autos and 15 manuals), all aptly painted in metallic Fighter Jet Grey, and yes, all of them has already been accounted for.
Like the 1969 original, the new Mach 1 bridges the gap between the standard Mustang GT and the high-performance Shelby models. Ford calls it the “most track-capable 5.0-litre Mustang yet”, courtesy of improved V8 power, unique functional aerodynamic enhancements and competition-capable suspension upgrades from the Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT500 models.
Bullitt-Power
Specially tuned for a “reward-to-rev” character, thanks to a high-performance Open Air Induction System and intake manifold, 87 mm throttle bodies with low-pressure port fuel injection and high-pressure direct fuel injection, the Mach 1 for sure delivers the Sound of Speed (as we discovered on the test drive with onlookers urging one to blip the throttle).
The Coyote V8 delivers 338 kW of power at 7,250 rpm and 529 Nm of torque at 4,900 rpm, matching the power figures of the Bullitt. For the first time on a production Mustang, the Tremec six-speed manual gearbox from the Shelby GT350 – featuring a dual-clutch, short-throw gear lever (with cue ball shift knob stolen from the Bullitt) and rev-matching tech – is available.
However, our test units were only available with Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic gearbox, featuring an upgraded torque converter and unique calibration in the Mach 1. Both transmissions benefit from a dedicated oil cooler (the auto has two), rear axle cooling system and Torsen limited-slip differential.
All these enhancements enable a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.4 seconds (4.8 seconds for the manual), a 400 m time of 12.6 seconds (13 seconds for the manual) and a top speed of 267 km/h for the manual (the auto is restricted to 249 km/h). That’s fast enough, but having previously been spoilt by the brute power of a Shelby Widebody Super Snake and RTR Spec 5 with 560 kW plus, the Mach 1 felt comparatively tame in a straight-line sprint.
Nimblest Mount
However, this stallion’s strength lies more in its ride and handling, thanks to aero enhancements such as new upper, lower and side grilles for improved cooling, a new front splitter, a single-deck rear spoiler that generates 22% more downforce than the Mustang GT with Performance Pack, and lower diffuser sourced from the Shelby GT500.
It also features adaptive MagneRide 2 suspension, stiffer dampers and springs, an upgraded brake booster, a rear subframe with stiffer bushings and a rear toe-link from the Shelby GT500. A lengthened undertray with dedicated fins directs cooling air to the brakes, and the orange calliper six-piston Brembos are deadly, forcing the 1.7-ton GT car to standstill from 100 km/h in less than 32 metres.
The 19” five-spoke Tarnished Dark-painted alloys, a modern interpretation of the classic Mach 1 Magnum 500 style wheels, are shod with 255/40R19 Michelin Pilots in front and 275/40R19 versions at the rear – further adding to the Mach 1’s handling prowess, as we found on the scenic test route snaking through the Western Cape mountains.
Besides the oddly placed hazard lights switch, our only real gripe with the Mach 1 was the 10-speed auto transmission that was sometimes too slow in response to driver input and with so many cogs to swop, got confused – hunting up and down for no apparent reason.
Signalling the Mach 1’s exclusive status, the Fighter Jet Grey paint coat is complemented by satin black/reflective orange stripes, Mach 1 logos on the rear decklid and front wings and the Stallion on the grille, with no Ford logo anywhere to be seen. The theme is continued inside, with leather sports seats (from the GT350) featuring grey stitching and a dashboard badge with Mach 1 logo and build number.
Comfort and convenience technologies include heated and cooled front seats, Sync 3 connectivity and a premium ten-speaker B&O sound system. The selectable Drive Modes with Track Apps and Launch Control can be viewed in the standard 12” digital instrument cluster.
Last Word
Overseas, the Mach 1 is seen as a decent replacement for the discontinued Shelby GT350. We never received this model with its flat-plane crank 5.2-litre Voodoo engine, but the Mach 1 seems like a good alternative, as it is the best-handling, best-sounding and, in our view, the best-looking model in the Mustang line-up… with a reasonable price tag (R1,182,100 for the manual and R1,203,800 for the auto) to boot.
Like its iconic 1969 predecessor, the new Mustang Mach 1 with its performance-inspired design and race-derived styling will become a highly sought-after car. It is the best iteration of the current-generation Mustang, and don’t despair; if history is anything to go by, it will most likely be available in future – so place your order now for 2022.
Report by Ferdi de Vos | Images © Ford Southern Africa
