Ford confirms Mustang Mach 1 arriving here next year
Friday, 16 October 2020
Ford enthusiasts who missed out on the Steve McQueen-themed Mustang Bullitt special edition from 2019 now have a second chance at some retro-inspired pony car performance.
Ford announced his week the Mach 1 name is being revived in 2021 for the next limited-edition Mustang.
The Mach 1’s announcement comes just after Ford announced the discontinuation of the Shelby GT350 model in North America. It becomes the new Mustang to bridge the gap between the standard GT 5.0-litre V8 and the supercharged Shelby GT500.
Ford’s new high-performance pony will use a high-output version of the Coyote 5.0-litre V8 engine. What’s not clear are the output numbers as the Bullitt developed 345kW and 556Nm of torque in Australasia but Ford quotes 480bhp (357kW) for the Bullitt and Mach 1 in North America.
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The six-speed manual transmission will be available but unlike the Bullitt, there will also be 10-speed automatic models.
Other changes to the Mach 1 include a front splitter and unique grille design, the MagneRide adaptive suspension in conjunction with firmer springs and shock absorbers, specific calibration for the electric power steering and an upgraded brake booster.
The original Mach 1 launched in 1969 ranks among the most iconic of Mustang variants and was sold until 1974. The modern-day Mach 1 is produced in right-hand-drive at the Flat Rock, Michigan, plant.
Customers will be able to secure their own 2021 Mustang Mach 1 online at Ford.co.nz through a bespoke reservation programme with details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The process gives customers the ability to secure one of the limited examples set for New Zealand via their smartphone or other device.
The Mach 1 will be offered alongside the Mustang 2.3-litre High Performance and Mustang GT in 2021, with New Zealand specification and pricing to be announced closer to launch.
In North America Mach 1 pricing has been announced and is just over $4000 more expensive than the Bullitt. In New Zealand the Bullitt sold at $93,490 which suggests the Mach 1 might just make it here at less than six figures when it arrives in the second-quarter of 2021.