2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fills In GT350-Sized Gap
The Mach 1 returns for 2021 as Ford's most track-capable 5.0-liter Mustang yet.
Ask 100 track-driving enthusiasts what the perfect track car is, and you're likely to get 100 different answers. Despite living in the shadow of the 760-hp Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 deserves consideration, especially if your track car needs to be a daily driver. Named for the Mach 1 special editions of the past, the new Mach arrives this spring and is best thought of as a track-focused replacement for three discontinued Mustangs: the Mustang GT with the Performance Package 2 (PP2), the Mustang Bullitt, and the GT350. With the Bullitt and the GT PP2 out of the lineup, Ford goes so far as to bill the Mach 1 as the most track-capable 5.0. We headed to Willow Springs International Raceway to test that claim, and we learned that although the Mach 1 isn't perfect, it's fast, it handles surprisingly well, it's comfortable enough for a commute, and it looks pretty cool, too.
Answering the call to speed is a 480-hp version — 20 more than the standard GT — of the port- and direct-injected 5.0-liter V-8 from the Bullitt. Unlike the Bullitt, the Mach 1 utilizes Tremec's TR-3160 six-speed manual transmission borrowed from the GT350 instead of the GT's Getrag-built box and will also offer a 10-speed automatic ($1595) that wasn't available in the Bullitt. For drivers still perfecting their craft, the Mach 1 features rev-matching downshifts — purists will be happy to know it can be shut off. Those looking to squeeze an extra tenth out of their times will like the six speed's no-lift-shift feature that allows you to keep the accelerator pinned during upshifts.
The Mach 1's suspension is bolted to the former GT350's front and rear subframes and features Ford's latest spec of magnetorheological dampers, which offer three modes to match the powertrain settings of Normal, Sport, and Track. Even in Normal mode, the Mach 1 feels responsive and sporty, while still comfortable and composed. Drive the worst roads in your area and you'll feel the Mach 1's inherent track-readiness, even in base form, but even then, the ride quality is nothing to moan about. Sport is great when you want more responsiveness on the street, but the real fun with the Mach 1 happens in Track mode.
(photo credit: Ford)
