After 17 years of being on the shelf, the Ford Mustang Mach is back with some new awesome upgrades. Ford is now releasing the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1. It can be considered an offspring of the Shelby GT350 and Mcqueen. Despite not having parts of its own, the Mach 1 carries the best parts of every existing Mustang model. Ford has yet to declare the price for the Mustang Mach 1. But since it uses the same engine as the Bullitt, it is safe to say that it will not be far from the Bullitt’s retail price of $47,705—it should be around $50,000.
⚠️ If It's Broken, Don't Fix It - Get Paid Cash for Your Vehicle ⚠️
Pros
- Carries the best parts of Shelby Models
- High-powered 5.0L V8 Engine
Cons
- Awful Transmission
What’s New
- The Mach 1 comes with a rear spoiler that is sourced from the GT500 which provides 22% more downforce compared to the GT.
- Revised front grille and typical Mustang LED lights
Features and Specs
- Seating Capacity: 4 (cramped back seats)
- EPA Gas Mileage: 15 MPG (City) and 24 MPG (Highway)
- Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
- Horsepower: 480
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a sophisticated version of the sixth-gen Mustang. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a limited-edition model that brings back the Mach 1 badge after 17 years. This Mustang bridges the gap between the Shelby GT350 and the GT models. It is practically a Mustang GT with a more bold exterior and some components from the Shelby GT350. It is powered by the standard 5.0-liter V8 engine borrowed from the GT, but the output rivals that of the limited-edition Bullitt model. This 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is the fifth Mach 1 pony car manufactured since the late 1960s.
The History of the Mustang Mach 1
The Mustang Mach 1 debuted in 1969 as a performance-oriented option package for the first-gen model.
The performance war between the muscle car manufacturers in Detroit was in full scale in the late 1960s, and the Mach 1 emerged at a time when Ford was already selling a wide range of performance models. These models include the ShelbyGT350, Shelby GT500, Boss 302, and Boss 429.
The first-gen Mach 1 comes with stripes on the hood and side skirts, fog lamps into the main grille, and a revised bumper. It debuted with a 5.8-;iter V8 engine, however, Ford also offered a 6.4-liter and the huge 7.0-liter Cobra Jet as options. It boasts power ranging from 250 horsepower and 355 pound-feet to a more breathtaking 335 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of spin. The Mach 1 boasted an upgraded suspension system, a shaker hood, thicker sway bars, sports seats, and teak wood grain features for the interior. Ford revised the front on the cars for the 1970 models, but most features were retained and unchanged.
When Ford decided to give the Mustang an ample facelift in 1971, the Mach 1 is still in production. The car now also highlights body-colored bumpers instead of chrome, a sports suspension, Mach 1 decals, and a distinctive pop-open gas cap. It came with a standard 4.9-liter V8 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 296 pound-feet, however, the options list also included the 7.0-liter Cobra Jet and the 5.8-liter Cleveland V8. The 7.0-liter Cobra Jet delivered a roaring 375 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Ford discontinued the 7.0-liter engine for the 1972 model. The most potent powerful engine left had a 5.8-liter with 275 horsepower and 286 pound-feet. The decline of power continued for the 1973 model, leaving a potent engine with 266 horsepower.
Ford kept on the wheels turning and offered the Mach 1 into the second generation starting 1974, but it was originally equipped with a 2.8-liter V6 rated at 105 horsepower. The V8 engine came back in 1975 with 140 horsepower and 240 pound-feet and stayed in the Mach 1 until the second-gen was brought to a halt in 1978. The Mach 1 was nothing more than a trim level for all these years.
The Badge was not featured in the third-generation Mustang and kept dormant for 25 years, until 2003.
The New Edge Mach 1 boasted a 4.6-liter V8 producing 305 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. And it was offered as a limited-edition model produced for only two years. Far from the previous Mach 1 model, this one marked a comeback to its roots with upgrades to the interior, suspension, the chassis, and the engine. The New Edge was the last Mustang to offer a Mach 1 package until 2020.
2021 Mach 1 Exterior
The modern version of the Mach 1 as well as the first-gen bridges the gap between the Shelby GT350 and the regular Mustang in terms of exterior design.
The Mach 1 exterior features stripes package, unique wheels, a sportier front bumper, looks a bit like the Shelby GT350, sportier appearance, heritage-style front grille, Grey badges, and a rear spoiler with gurney flap. The stripes highlight the engine hood and the side skirts.
What sets apart the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 from the regular Mustang?
The front bumper and the grille are the first components that stand out. The grille highlights a shark-nose shape, a deep 3D mesh, and faux light elements that bring back the original Mach 1 from 1969. The bumper is equipped with particularly larger side vents than that of the GT. Although the latter features small, vertical openings, the Mach 1 highlights a big and almost square vents that are almost identical to the GT500. The central outlet is taller for improved cooling but it is just as wide as the GT’s. Ultimately, the splitter is extending further away from the lower apron and is a bit bigger. The stallion insignia on the grille is coated in Magnetic and dark grey hue.
The outline is very much like the GT, but we can see more Magnetic-painted features, like the “Mach 1” insignia on the front fenders and the mirror caps. The Mach 1 also drives on 19-inch wheels especially developed for this model. Polished in tarnish black, they highlight a five-spoke design that fancies the iconic Magnum 500 wheels. Ford also produces multi-spoke wheels with an additional modern look.
A while back, there is not much difference between the Mach 1 and the Mustang GT. The most significant upgrade is the spoiler, almost as big as a fixed wing, which is quite larger. It also has a Gurney flap. But this spoiler does not come standard, and it is only available with the optional Handling package.
In terms of aerodynamics, the splitter, the front bumper, and the rear spoiler enhanced downforce by 22 percent than that of the Mustang GT equipped with the Performance Pack level 1.
The figure mentioned above shoots up to a striking 150 percent. Naturally, the Mach 1 should have a much better handle at the track.
In terms of colors, there is a wide range of different options, including:
- Shadow Black
- Velocity Blue
- Race Red
- Iconic Silver
- Oxford White
- Twisted Orange
- Grabber Yellow
Aside from all these standard Mustang colors, Ford also offers the unique fighter Jet Gray with the appearance package. While the stripes are Satin Black on all body colors, you can still choose from accent colors in White, Orange, or Red. The Orange accent is also available with the Appearance Package only.
2021 Mach 1 Interior
The Mach 1 interior features a unique dashboard finish, engraved insignia, white stitching, white cue ball shifter, unique splash screen, a custom sill plate, optional leather seats, aluminum accents, and looks a lot like the GT.
The Mach 1, just like any other limited-edition sixth-gen Mustangs, such as the Bullitt, is pretty much similar to the GT and EcoBoost models. The layout is similar, and the tech is pretty much the same. It also offers regular seats, so you should not expect it to be sporty like a Shelby model.
What sets apart the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 from the Regular Mustang?
Essentially, the only item that looks different, and it is quite visible, is the Dark Spindrift front dashboard cover accompanied by aluminum accents.
Depending on how light falls on the dashboard, it would look a bit like carbon-fiber from a distance. There is an engraved badge or insignia on the passenger side dashboard that displays the model and the specific chassis number.
Leather seats do not come as standard, but you can choose seats wrapped in ebony-colored hide with accents stripes. These seats also feature white stitching, which can be easily seen on the center console. Other extras include a white cue ball shift knob which is also a tribute to the original Mach 1, a unique splash screen for the 12.3-inch infotainment display, and door sill plates with “Mach1” lettering.
2021 Mach 1 Drivetrain and Performance
The 2021 Mach 1 comes with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet torque. Its output is similar to the Bullitt. It also features standard six-speed manual transmission, and 10-speed automatic is optional. This Mach 1 carries the Shelby GT350’s components and boasts enhanced handling. This Mach 1 is launched from 0 to 60 MPH in less than 4 seconds and it tops 160+ MPH. The Mach 1 does not carry its own unique engine unlike the Shelby models.
The naturally aspirated mill produces 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. If these numbers seem familiar, it is due to their similarity to the Mustang Bullitt.
Which one is more powerful, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 or the Mustang GT?
The Mach 1 boasts an extra 20 horsepower and similar torque compared to the Mustang GT. There is not a huge difference, but it is sufficient to bridge the gap between the Shelby GT350 and the GT.
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 more powerful than the Shelby GT350?
While the Mach 1 is a bit more powerful compared to the Mustang GT, it is still not as powerful as the Shelby GT350. It should not catch you by surprise though, since the Mach 1 has been bridging the gap between these two models from the very beginning. Producing 480 horsepower, the Mach 1 is 46 horsepower shy to match the GT350. However, when it comes to torque, there is only nine pound-feet difference between the Mach 1 and the Shelby.
Does the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 have higher performance compared to its Predecessor?
The new Mach 1 is quite evidently more beefy than the previous Mach 1, which was introduced way back 2003. The Mach 1 New Edge was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that produced 305 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Laying everything on the table, you can easily say that the 2021 Mach 1 is really powerful compared to its predecessor. It comes with an extra 175 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of potency.
Even though it rivals the Mustang Bullitt in terms of power, the Mach 1 is just another Bullitt under the hood.
The 5.0-liter V8 engine boasts a number of upgrades from the Shelby GT350, including the oil filter adapter, intake manifold, and engine oil cooler. The rear axle cooling system is acquired from the top-tier Shelby GT500.
The Mach 1 can also be equipped with an automatic, unlike the Bullitt which is restricted to a manual gearbox. The standard six-speed manual was borrowed from the Shelby GT350, and after a long wait, it is now partnered to a rev-matching system. The optional 10-speed automatic was also revamped with a unique calibration, an enhanced torque converter, and a second air-to-oil cooler that shoots up the cooling capacity by 75 percent.
Is the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 fast?
Ford has not released the official performance figures, however, it is safe to assume that the Mach 1 can rival the Bullitt. Since it is available with an automatic gearbox, the Mach 1 could get 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with the 10-speed, while the Bullitt takes 3.9 seconds to get there with the manual transmission. Top speed should be identical to the Bullitt model at 163 mph. It is safe to say that the Mach 1 is as fast as the Bullitt but a little faster than the standard Mustang GT.