Ford has confirmed to PH that its dealers have begun taking orders for the Mustang Mach 1, with prices starting at £55,185 and first deliveries expected in around two months. That means the most potent V8 Mustang made available in the UK will cost almost £9k more than the Bullitt variant - although it the new model is optimised for better handling, reshaped for superior downforce and delivers 460hp at 7,250rpm.
Fast Ford fans might notice that the quoted output is 20hp short of what was announced in the US - well, blame the process of European homologation for that. A Ford UK spokesperson confirmed that UK-bound cars will sport the particulate filters deemed unnecessary across the Atlantic, meaning that the Mach 1 will only be 7hp more potent than the Bullitt. Still, it’s enough to ensure the Mach 1 is the most powerful Ford V8 Mustang you can buy - and power isn’t the car’s party trick anyway. Handling is.
The Mach 1 has always been about circuit performance, and the 2021 model is no different. UK spec cars get as standard all of the goodies that come with the upgraded Handling Pack models sold in America, with uniquely-tuned MagneRide 2 adaptive dampers, stiffer springs and tighter anti-roll bars, as well as new front and rear subframes and a retuned steering system. There’s also a Mach 1-specific front splitter, floor pan and rear diffuser to boost downforce by 25 per cent. And six-pot Brembos to keep it all in check. Proper stuff.
While not being quite at its best thanks to the aforementioned filter, the 5.0-litre engine does still receive the same freer-flowing open air intake system and active exhaust system as the domestic machine. Peak torque is actually a little down on the Bullitt, as it’s rated at 390lb ft at 4,600rpm, but that’s a small price to pay the V8's greater appetite for revs. As for the transmission, there’s a six-speed Tremec manual gearbox, built to Boss 302 standards, for maximum driver engagement. Or a 10-speed auto, should you prefer to lower the workload, that ups the Mach 1 price to £57,185.
No matter which ‘box a buyer chooses, the Mach 1 comes with a unique look, thanks to a new front bumper, a larger rear spoiler and that prominent diffuser. It. Looks. Awesome. The car also gets Mach 1-specific 19-inch five-spoke wheels - or you can upgrade to Y-spoke alternatives - and the interior adoptes a white cue ball gearknob and optional sports seats, to go with the already pretty well-equipped Mustang cabin. It all sounds downright peachy. We’ve high hopes – and won't have long to wait to see if the Mach 1 meets them.
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