2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Is Back, Combines 480 HP V8 With Shelby GT350 Goodies

Ford has unveiled a new performance-oriented Mustang in the form of the 2021 Mustang Mach 1.

Bridging the gap between Mustang GT and Shelby models, the Mach 1 packs a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine making 480 horsepower, Ford Performance parts from the Shelby GT350 and GT500, as well as a unique design inside and out. You’ll notice that the engine has the same power and torque ratings as the 2020 Mustang Bullitt; namely 480 HP at 7,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft (569 Nm) at 4,600 rpm.

While die-hard pony car fans expected more power, they will be very pleased to learn that the standard transmission is the same six-speed Tremec 3160 manual from the Shelby GT350. For the first time, Ford has updated the Tremec gearbox with rev-matching and Mustang GT’s twin-disc clutch and short-throw shifter.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 in standard specification

The transmission is not the only thing borrowed from the GT350 as the Mach 1’s engine also integrates revised Shelby GT350 components including the intake manifold, oil filter adapter and engine oil cooler which increase engine oil cooling capability by 50 percent.

Customers who are not that much into driving stick shift can choose the available 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with an upgraded torque converter and unique calibration “that enables optimizing torque capability, shift character and overall enhanced performance.” A second air-to-oil cooler is said to increase cooling capacity by 75 percent on the Mach 1 with the automatic transmission.

Return Of The Mach: Looks That Bring Back Memories

Recognizing the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 will be easy thanks to unique design elements. At the front, they include the model-specific grille with a deep 3-D mesh, shark-nosed section and faux lamp elements flanking the low-gloss Magnetic pony badge, as well as new side grilles below each turn signal lamp. A large front splitter is continued by sharp side skirts and an generous Shelby GT500-sourced diffuser at the rear flanked by quad round exhausts.

The vehicle also features low-gloss Magnetic and black accents across the bodywork, including the mirror caps and rear spoiler. The 19 x 9.5-inch (front) and 19 x 10-inch (rear) Tarnished Dark-painted aluminum wheels in a five-spoke design are unique to the Mach 1 and pay homage to the classic Magnum 500 style wheels.

The 2021 Mach 1 also sports Satin Black side and hood stripes with reflective accent stripes in Red, White and Orange. Exterior color options include the exclusive Fighter Jet Gray (Appearance Package only), as well as Iconic Silver, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Velocity Blue, Twister Orange, Race Red and Grabber Yellow.

The Optional Handling Package Is The One You Want

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 with Handling Package

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1’s optional Handling Package available exclusively with the six-speed manual adds a larger unique higher downforce front splitter, new front wheel lip moldings, and a low-gloss Magnetic swing spoiler with a Gurney flap and rear tire spats from Shelby GT500. The pack also includes unique, wider 19-inch x 10.5-inch front, and 19-inch x 11-inch rear Tarnished Dark-painted aluminum wheels.

Ford claims the Mach 1 features 22 percent more downforce than a Mustang GT with Performance Pack Level 1, with the Handling Package increasing downforce by 150 percent. But the car’s most aerodynamically important upgrade is the underbelly pan which extends 20 inches (508 mm) further rearward than on a Mustang GT Performance Pack.

This is said to smooth and increase the airflow under the front of the car while large underwing features in the belly pan increase downforce. Additionally, special belly pan airfoils in the brake cooling ramps improve downforce and assist the brake cooling flow, which is a first for the Mustang.

What about the suspension? The Mach 1 features the latest MagneRide calibration, a stiffer steering I-shaft, new EPAS calibration, stiffer sway bars and front springs, as well as a rear subframe with stiffer bushings and a rear toe-link from Shelby GT500 to improve ride and handling. It also features a brake booster from the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 and Michelin PS4 tires.

Inside, customers are treated with a unique Dark Spindrift instrument panel with aluminum accents, Ebony seats with an accent stripe (on models featuring a leather upholstery), and white cue ball shift knob (for the manual gearbox). Also included are new door sill plates, an updated splash screen on the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and engraved badging displaying the vehicle’s unique chassis number.

The 2021 Mustang Mach 1 will arrive in dealerships across the United States and Canada in the spring of 2021 as a limited-edition model. How limited is anyone’s guess for now, though the carmaker did say the Mach 1 is a global model.