The 345kW/556Nm Ford Mustang Mach 1 will arrive in Australia next year priced at $83,365+ORCs.
Arriving here next year, the Mustang Mach 1 pays homage to the original 1969 model which was built to celebrate the breaking of the sound barrier. Borrowing some of its go-faster bits from both the Shelby GT350 and GT500, the Mustang Mach 1 will be priced at $83,365+ORCs when it goes on-sale.
Ford is claiming the Mach 1 will be the most track-capable factory Mustang in the country. And that might not be all talk with Ford improving aerodynamics and engine and transmission cooling.
Under the bonnet is a 5.0-litre V8 producing 345kW and 556Nm of torque. It’s the first Mustang sold Down Under to get the uprated Tremec 3160 six-speed manual gearbox from the Shelby GT350; this offers shorter shifts, rev-matching, a stronger clutch, and a beefed up oil transmission cooler. Buyers can also choose from a toughened version of the Mustang’s 10-speed automatic transmission. The suspension’s copped a look-see too with a tweaked version of Ford’s MagneRide adaptive dampers, anti-roll bars and bushes for improved performance on the track, or so Ford claims. If that isn’t enough, manual and automatic models include an additional rear axle cooling system and a limited-slip differential as standard.
The engineering tweaks should make the Mustang Mach 1 a much meaner machine, but the bodywork is just as helpful. The rear diffuser shares its design with the GT500 and contributes 22% more downforce at full noise than a Mustang GT. 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, Ford said.
There are five body colours to choose from, all with contrasting bonnet stripes: Fighter Jet Gray with Satin Black/Reflective Orange stripes, Shadow Black and Oxford White with Satin Black/Red stripes, or Velocity Blue and Twister Orange, with Satin Black/White stripes. An optional Appearance Pack ($1000) is also available exclusively with Fighter Jet Gray, featuring orange accent seatback trim, orange brake callipers and satin black and orange hood and side stripe.
On the inside, you get an Ebony colour scheme and aluminium detailing, while the leather sports seats feature Metal Grey stitching. Recaro leather sports seats are also available as a cost option ($3000). Each Mustang Mach 1 features a unique dashboard badge carrying the Mach 1 logo and chassis number.
“Following the success of Mustang BULLITT and Mustang R-SPEC, we are very excited to introduce this highly capable, track ready Mustang to our Australian Mustang fans. The unique styling, which pays homage to the original model, is more than worthy of its legendary badge,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia and New Zealand.
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