Ford confirms Kiwi pricing and spec for Mustang Mach 1
Friday, 23 October 2020
Ford New Zealand has confirmed the pricing and full specification for the upcoming Mustang Mach 1.
The new fast ‘Stang is a bridge between the regular GT and the ultra-high-performance Shelby GT500, replacing the older Shelby GT350. But, unlike that one, we’re actually getting the Mach 1 in an official capacity.
It’ll come packing the familiar 5.0-litre V8 but tuned up to 345kW/556Nm, similar to that of the Bullitt Mustang from a few years back. Like the Bullitt, the Mach 1 can be had with a six-speed manual transmission, this time of Tremec origins, the first Mustang in NZ to get such a transmission. It gets rev-matching for seamless downshifts and an upgraded oil-cooler system for spirited driving.
Alternatively, Ford will sell the Mach 1 with its ten-speed automatic, which gets an upgraded oil-cooler and recalibrated software for “optimised performance in road and track driving conditions.”
**READ MORE:
* Ford confirms Mustang Mach 1 arriving here next year
* Ford dusts off Mach 1 badge for range-topping Mustang
* The Ford Mustang Bullitt is our Top Coupe of 2019
**
The Mustang Mach 1 creates 22 per cent more downforce than the Mustang GT, thanks to a rear diffuser design shared with the Mustang Shelby GT500 model available to Ford North America customers and a longer undertray that incorporates dedicated fins that direct cooling air to the brakes.
The shape of the front splitter has been designed to deliver increased downforce for improved grip on track, while the small rear spoiler has been “matched to the front aerodynamics to ensure the perfect lift balance from front to rear.”
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.
Manual and automatic models include an additional rear axle cooling system that further supports track driving and are also fitted with a limited-slip differential as standard to help improve traction.
Ford says the muscle car has the “Open Air Induction System”, intake manifold and 87 mm throttle bodies shared with the Mustang Shelby GT350. We’re not sure if the circular intakes in the Mach 1’s nose are functional or simply aesthetic throwbacks to the original Mach 1 from 1969, however.
Customers will be able to choose between five body colours with bonnet and side stripe combinations, including:
Fighter Jet Grey with Satin Black/Reflective Orange stripes (and also featuring orange brake callipers and satin black and orange hood and side stripe)
Shadow Black with Satin Black/Red stripes
Oxford White with Satin Black/Red stripes
Velocity Blue with Satin Black/White stripes
Twister Orange with Satin Black/White stripes
As for price, the Mach 1 will start at $97,990 for both the manual and automatic versions. Expect to see it here sometime next year, hopefully sooner rather than later.