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25 Things We Know About The New Mustang Mach-1

Cameron Eittreim June 18, 2020

The Ford Mustang has one of the most storied histories in all of the automotive world. From the Bullitt to the GT350, there is no shortage of limited edition models. Where the Mach-1 made its bones was with sheer performance, and that’s what many Mustang buyers look for. They want a street-legal track car that brings intense V8 performance.

Ford has received a lot of flack lately over the Mustang Mach-E, the new Mustang crossover. So perhaps it only makes sense that the blue oval would come back with a vengeance. Unlike some super-fast cars auto fans didn’t see coming, they will most definitely be looking forward to this one. We delved into the intricate details we know about the Mach-1 so far below.

25: Special Limited Features

The Mach-1 isn’t going to be an additional trim package like the ZL1 on the Camaro. Instead, it’s going to be manufactured for a single model year. Similar to the 2020 Bullitt model, the Mach-1 is going to offer a special-edition paint scheme and performance upgrades. You can also expect to see SVT wheels and ground effects. The 2003 Mach-1 had a host of special upgrades not found on your average Mustang.

Mustang Mach-1 — via: Muscle card definition

Ford will again do this special treatment on the 2021 model. There are going to be all kinds of enhancements that will give Chevy owners a run for their money. If you want lightning-fast performance out of a Mustang, this car is going to deliver.

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24: Replacing The Bullitt

The Mach-1 is not going to be produced alongside the Bullitt. Instead, the Bullitt is outgoing. The Bullitt gives off a more conservative appearance whereas the Mach-1 is designed to make a splash. It seems Ford is placing an emphasis on performance, which is where the upgraded engine comes into play.

It should be capable of reaching a 168 mph top speed. While it’s unlikely many drivers will actually attempt to reach that speed, it is nice to know the option is there. The car is going to entice buyers who would be opting for the Bullitt model.

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23: Upgraded Exhaust

It’s been a long time since automakers actually added an aftermarket exhaust from the factory. But Ford is going this route with the Mustang in order to better compete with Chevy. The NitroPlate quad-tip performance exhaust has a deep growl to it. For a factory exhaust, this is actually a welcome addition. If you’ve ever heard a factory 5.0 exhaust setup, you’ll be pretty pleased with it.

Obviously, most owners are going to rip the factory exhaust off as soon as they get to the muffler shop. But even straight from the factory, the Mach-1 is going to be a stellar performance car with excellent sound.

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22: A Lack Of SVT Badging

Ford used to slap SVT badges on anything performance-related, yet the Bullitt and the Mach-1 have been different. Similar to how the Raptor evolved in recent years, this Mustang is going to be a standalone model as well. On the interior, Ford is going to be doing the same thing with limited SVT badging throughout. The special vehicles team will put their mark on certain areas of the car.

But it won’t be anywhere close to how the company used to do it. The new Mustang is going to be a new incarnation of a timeless classic. This is what people are going to be looking for in a Mustang. There is still a market left for powerful V8 sports cars lie the Dodge Challenger Demon & Hellcat. The Mach-1 will give those models a run for their money.

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21: No Automatic Transmission

Although the days of the manual transmission are numbered, the new Mustang is going to be one of the few vehicles on the road that offers a stick. This means those of you who want authentic driving pleasure will be attracted to the Mach-1. Aside from the stick shift, a manual transmission has other benefits.

It’s a lot cheaper to fix and the off-the-line performance is amazing. Because the automatic transmission has been scrapped for right now, the Mach-1 is going to be a true performance car. Camaro owners beware because the Mach-1 is going to throw down some serious power.

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20: Delayed Mach-1 Launch

Due to the current situation in the world, the Mach-1 has been delayed. What should have been a 2020 launch date will instead happen in 2021. It’s a much-needed boost to the Mustang lineup. Brands like Dodge have been throwing out special-edition Challenger models for years now.

The Mach-1 is a more subtle option that will bring serious performance. Ford has already added a plethora of technology to the new Mustang. Adding the Mach-1 model to the lineup will only enhance things to a great degree.

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19: Where The Mach-1 Fits In the Food Chain

With Ford discontinuing the GT350, there’s going to be an open position in the lineup for an upmarket model. Although the GT attracts most of the performance market, there is an appetite for more power and options. If you don’t want to spring for the expensive GT500, then the Mach-1 might be more suitable. This is a no-frills Mustang designed for serious performance.

There’s no special spoiler, but you do get a lean, mean speed machine. And that’s basically what the original Mach-1 was. Then Ford built on this in the 2000s. The vehicle is going to have everything you’d expect.

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18: MagneRide Suspension

The Mach-1 is going to have quite a few special features to it. The suspension is going to be one of the first things that’s upgraded. With a new suspension, the car will be able to handle like never before. The current Mustang generation is already well-positioned for track driving. But for a higher price tag, you want some enhancements.

The improved dynamics of the MagneRide suspension are something that buyers appreciated on the Bullitt model. The Mustang Mach-1 is going to be a very agile car, which in turn makes for a stellar rendition of a classic. If you are seeking exhilaration the Mach-1 is going to deliver.

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17: Mach-1 Body Colors

The Bullitt only offered a single color, which was a well-known green. When you look at the Mach-1, you expect a special-edition paint job. The previous incarnation of the Mach-1 featured a few different paint schemes. The body is going to be subtle compared to models like the GT500. But if you know Mustangs, you’re going to know what this one brings to the table.

The Mustang Mach-1 is going to give the Camaro and Challenger a run for their money. Ford is hoping the Mach-1 will be appealing to a broader audience than the previous model when the Bullitt is discontinued for the 2021 model year.

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16: The Most Track-Capable Mustang Yet

The Mach-1 was never a Mustang designed for Saturday drag races. Instead, the Mach-1 is designed to be a track-capable Mustang. When you think of pony cars, you don’t usually think about driving on the track. But with the Mach-1, you’ll be able to hit the track like a true professional.

From the improved suspension to increased acceleration, the Mach-1 is going to deliver a track experience like no other. Having a track-capable pony car is an important thing for many enthusiasts. As it stands, the GT500 is a sheer beast on the track. But most people don’t have the kind of money laying around to go ahead and get one.

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15: Modified Coyote V8

The current generation Mustang has one of the most advanced motors on the market. The Coyote V8 is not only efficient but also packs a punch. Where the technology meets the pavement the Coyote V8 really makes for an exceptional choice. There are plenty of parts for the special vehicles team to pull from the GT350, which is why the Mach-1 is so satisfactory.

The newly-revised Coyote V8 already builds on an efficient platform. Needless to say, this Mach-1 is a lot more advanced than the outgoing model we saw 16 years ago. Ford has pulled out all the stops to make sure this Mustang is an exciting breath of fresh air.

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14: New Holes Throughout

When Ford sat down to do some modifications to the current Mustang, the company had to see how it could improve an already great design. The Bullitt has been a hit with consumers, as have the GT350 and GT500. The Mach 1 is not necessarily meant to be a full-on replacement, but instead another footnote in the long, storied history of the Mustang. The interesting design of the body already gave this generation a new look.

Ford has enhanced that design and added new holes to cram more air into the Mach-1. The brake calipers will get a lot more airflow, as will the newly improved V8. With these enhancements, the car is able to perform much better on the track. Save for a complete overhaul, the Mach-1 is a beast straight from the factory.

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13: Down Force

In addition to new air holes on the front of the Mustang, there have also been ground effects added. The Mach-1 has a new lip as well as side skirts, which give the sports car a much better feeling on the track. You’ll feel the difference when you dip the Mach-1 into a tight turn. The car really acts like you’d expect it to.

Ford has enhanced that design and added new holes to cram more air into the Mach-1. The Mach-1 does a great job of taking to the road and its design is far from ordinary. Usually, Mustang owners have had to opt for aftermarket additions. But the stock design of the Mach-1 is enough that you’ll be able to take this car right out to the track.

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12: Accessories

The Mach-1 is being positioned as the global icon of the pony car market. With that said, Ford is pulling out all the stops to make sure drivers are satisfied. First and foremost are the revisions to the interior. The inside of the Ford Mustang Mach-1 is vastly improved over the factory Mustang model. While it’s not as stripped down as a GT500, the interior does mean business.

While the Mustang is a performance car, there are still some interior amenities for drivers to experience. The overall improvements to the general car have made the Mach-1 a winner. With a more refined interior and upgraded technology, the Mach-1 is the pony car of the future. If the Mach-1 does well on the market, there’s no telling how many more special editions Ford will release.

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11: Those Wheels

The Mach-1 doesn’t just have a new grill to lure potential buyers with. Because Ford wanted to differentiate the Mach-1 from the Bullitt, the former has a new set of wheels. Obviously, the Mach-1 is a track car. With that said, it’s going to need a different set of wheels. Ford has installed a set of wheels that most Mustang enthusiasts will like.

Ford Mustang GT500 — via: automobile bag

Similar to how the Bullitt got the retro treatment, the Mach-1 is getting a modern incarnation. Drivers will also get an expensive set of rubber. As has been stated before the Mach-1 is designed to hit the race track. So naturally, a company like Ford would equip the car with the tools that it needs to do so.

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10: The New Nose

Although the Mustang is getting close to the time where a mid-cycle refresh is needed, the Mach-1 has already improved the look dramatically. The newfound Mustang is going to get a completely new fascia with increased air induction. This is partly to help the car perform better, but it will also give the car a lot of style. Ground effects are a huge part of the Mustang and the Mach-1 has a nose that’s designed to do it right.

In addition to the front of the car, the rear has also gotten some love, although many enthusiasts think that the rear end of the Mach-1 could use a little bit more attention. Nevertheless, this is a Mustang that means business.

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9: Performance Adjustments

The Mach-1 is not terribly faster than the outgoing Bullitt. But what the Mach-1 does do is add a whole new level of performance to the Ford lineup. A lot of this has to do with the additions to the Coyote V8 engine, which has seen much improvement over its lifespan. Enthusiasts are going to notice a dramatic increase in horsepower over outgoing models.

This model will definitely take a GT on with no problem. Since Ford is discontinuing the GT350, there is no doubt that Mach-1 will take its place. The Mach-1 is only going to be a temporary model. The Mach-1 is designed to add a whole new amount of speed and agility to the Mustang lineup. When you consider what the Mach-1 has to offer, it’s a unique blend of design and performance.

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8: The Stick Or The Auto?

Ford has released information about the two potential transmission options for the Mach-1. You can get a six-speed manual or the 10-speed automatic that’s been on many Fords. With the recent shift away from passenger cars, we have to wonder how long the Mustang will be around. But for the time being, you can enjoy all the attributes the stick shift has to offer.

If you don’t know how to drive a stick or you commute a lot, the automatic is a great option. While there is a common misconception that automatics take away from the performance, this is wrong. Either transmission is going to make the Mach-1 a stellar pony car.

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7: Badging

There isn’t going to be a lot physically that separates the Mach-1 from a GT500. But you’ll notice that there are subtle additions on the bodywork. For starters, the Mach-1 has badging throughout the car as well as on the exterior. While the bodywork is not as extreme as the previous Mach-1 was, you can still tell that it’s a special edition. The Mach-1 combines a lot of the attributes of a race car with the road manners of a Mustang.

For enthusiasts who want one of the track cars on the road, the badging is going to be a point of pride. The Mach-1 also has special-edition wheels that also have the Mach-1 badging in the center caps. So either way, you’ll know this Mustang is a Mach-1.

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6: Mach-1 Power

The Mustang Mach-1 is not a supercharged model or anything like that. But the naturally aspirated V8 does an excellent job of producing power. Out of the box, Mach-1 is going to produce 480 HP, which is excellent considering the car’s price point. The interesting thing is that with a few bolt-ons you can easily get this motor over 500 HP. The torque rating is also impressive at 420 pound-feet of torque.

This car is going to pull with authority, and that’s great for anyone who wants a true pony car. Needless to say, Ford has pulled out all the stops to make sure the Mach-1 is a stellar choice for anyone who wants a performance car. These pony cars have come a long way in the last few years and Mustang is at the forefront of that movement.

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5: Mach-1 Availability

The Mustang Mach-1 may be an international sensation, but for the time being, Ford is only releasing the car in America and Canada. The Mach-1 isn’t going to be a high-volume car, instead, the vehicle is hitting the market to increase Mustang awareness. The car is going to be at most major Ford dealerships but there will also be a waiting list. With Ford offering the new ordering system online, the demand for the Mach-1 is going to rise.

If you are considering a Mach-1, you may want to act now. The Mach-1 has everything that most Mustang owners want in a track designed car. That means you’ll be able to compete with Camaros and Dodges alike. Mach-1 owners could potentially have one of the best pony cars of the decade.

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4: Mach-1 Convertible?

There is still speculation as to whether or not Ford will offer a Mach-1 convertible. In the past, the company has offered souped-up convertible models, so it’s easy to see why enthusiasts are excited. Mach-1 in itself is an exciting driving experience, and who wouldn’t want all of that power in a convertible model? But the Mach-1 is also a performance car and there are some drawbacks to having a convertible performance car.

Still, Ford is looking to reinvigorate the Mustang lineup and a convertible version might do the trick. When you think about various Mustang models, the Mach-1 is one of the most memorable. The car can hang with the best of them and offers a cool-looking style. With Ford adding the Mach-1, time will tell if drivers get a convertible version as well.

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3: This Is A Track Focused Car

The Mustang Mach-1 is undoubtedly a track-focused car, which means it’s not your everyday Mustang. If you are getting a Mustang to go to the grocery store or the occasional weekend drive, this isn’t for you. But if you want to tear off the track, the Mach-1 is for you. The car will literally push you back into your seat with the sheer amount of power it offers.

Ford has done a good job of resigning the Mach-1 and making it a competitive track vehicle. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one the Mach-1 will definitely drive excitement. The car has a plethora of new performance options that make it viable. Whether you want the Coyote V8 or the stylish exterior, the Mach-1 delivers.

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2: Mach-1 Safety Features

The Mach-1 is not just a faster Mustang, it is also a much safer model. Ford has gone to great lengths to make the Mustang a safer car. Lane departure warning systems are standard in all Mustang models, even this one. Coupled with that is a selection of airbags that includes side airbags and front passenger airbags. These supplemental restraint systems coupled with the driver-assist function make the Mustang safe to drive.

This was an important thing for Ford to focus on because there are a lot of teenagers who drive these cars. We’re not saying that most 16-year olds are going to jump behind the wheel of one of these. But if they do, the car is a much safer vehicle.

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1: This Mach-1 Is Only The Beginning

With the Bullitt and the Mach-1, Ford has some hits on their hands. Now the company is going to release other special-edition Mustang models. The Mustang in general is a piece of history, which has made the brand a much-reveled piece of culture. With this icon making its return, the Mustang is back in the spotlight once again.

Ford Mustang Convertible — via: CBStatic

Ford has done this before with “buzz” cars like the Raptor. With everything that’s going on in the world, it’s nice to see an automaker who is trying to release something special. The Mach-1 is a car that you can be proud to drive, and also a pony car that will increase in value as time goes on.

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25 Things We Know About The New Mustang Mach-1

25: Special Limited Features

24: Replacing The Bullitt

23: Upgraded Exhaust

22: A Lack Of SVT Badging

21: No Automatic Transmission

20: Delayed Mach-1 Launch

19: Where The Mach-1 Fits In the Food Chain

18: MagneRide Suspension

17: Mach-1 Body Colors

16: The Most Track-Capable Mustang Yet

15: Modified Coyote V8

14: New Holes Throughout

13: Down Force

12: Accessories

11: Those Wheels

10: The New Nose

9: Performance Adjustments

8: The Stick Or The Auto?

7: Badging

6: Mach-1 Power

5: Mach-1 Availability

4: Mach-1 Convertible?

3: This Is A Track Focused Car

2: Mach-1 Safety Features

1: This Mach-1 Is Only The Beginning

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