Ford Mustang Mach 1 to join line up

The local Ford Mustang range will soon be expanded with the addition of the Mach 1 exclusive model. 

Slotting between the standard Mustang GT and Shelby models, only 90 units of the Mustang Mach 1 will find homes in Mzansi. 

“The Mustang has achieved legendary status as a performance icon around the world, and in South Africa too,” says Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa. 

The Mustang Mach 1 is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine that also powers the Bullit. The engine pushes out 338 kW and 529 Nm of torque. The Mach 1 can be had with a high-performance six-speed manual derived from the Shelby GT350 or an optional 10-speed automatic transmission. 

According to Ford, both transmissions receive numerous performance, cooling and calibration enhancements that are specific to the Mach 1.

On the outside, the Ford Mustang Mach 1 can be differentiated by a bold Mach 1 grille that pays tribute to the original model, along with extensive use of low-gloss Magnetic dark grey and black accents.

The rear is fitted with a rear spoiler, rear axle cooling system as well as lower diffuser borrowed from the Shelby GT500. It features a set of new 19-inch five-spoke Tarnished Dark-painted aluminium wheels shod with 255/40R19 tyres in front and 275/40R19 at the rear. 

All units destined for South Africa are painted in distinctive metallic Fighter Jet Grey with the Appearance Package as standard. The Mach 1 also spawns a satin black bonnet and side stripes with orange accents, orange-painted brake callipers as well as ‘Mach 1’ badging on the front fenders. 

Inside, the Ford Mustang Mach 1 is bolstered with orange seatback accents and a Dark Spindrift instrument panel with aluminium accents. There are new door sill plates as well as an updated splash screen on the 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster.

Other features include Mach-1-branded door-sill scuff plates and engraved badging on the instrument panel that displays the vehicle’s unique chassis number. 

Ford has fitted the new Mustang Mach 1 with MagneRide adaptive suspension for better ride and handling. There is a new performance-oriented electric power steering calibration as well as stiffer sway bars and front springs. The brake booster has been upgraded while the rear subframe with stiffer bushings and a rear toe-link are sourced from the Shelby GT500. 

The Mustang Mach 1 will launch later this month when pricing will also be confirmed. Thankfully, TopGear Magazine SA will be at the launch to bring you a full report on the model.