American muscle car fans rejoice – the limited-edition, high-performance Ford Mustang Mach 1 will soon be available in Europe for the first time ever.
Bold, distinctive, charismatic and brimming with confidence and power, the Mustang has long been admired this side of the pond. Now, not only is the Mach 1 an even more out and out power-house of a car, it’s the best ever handling Mustang too, and available close to home.
European buyers will be able to choose from eight combinations of the famous body colour and bold bonnet and side stripes, including Fighter Jet Grey with Satin Black/Reflective Orange stripes; Iconic Silver, Shadow Black and Oxford White with Satin Black/Red stripes, or Velocity Blue, Twister Orange, Race Red and Grabber Yellow with Satin Black/White stripes. These are all set off strikingly against gloss back upper and lower front grilles and the iconic Mach 1 logo on the rear deck-lid and on each front wing.
The cabin is bold and distinctive too and distinguished by an Ebony colour scheme and Dark Engine turned aluminium detailing, while the leather sports seats feature Metal Grey stitching. Each Mach 1 features a unique dashboard badge featuring the Mach 1 logo and build number, complemented by unique sill plates and a new start-up display on the 12-inch digital instrument display cluster.
Standard comfort and convenience technologies include heated and cooled front seats, Ford’s sophisticated SYNC 3 connectivity system, a premium 12-speaker B and O sound system, and FordPass Connect modem for enhanced connectivity.
The Mustang Mach 1 certainly isn’t just about its looks though – it has the hardware to deliver on-track thrills and on-road driving pleasure that Mustang enthusiasts demand, and is hailed as the most exciting Mustang in Europe to date.
The Mustang Mach 1 features a 460PS version of Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 all-aluminium petrol engine – specially modified for improved performance both on the road and on track. Peak power is delivered at 7,500rpm, with a hefty peak torque of 529Nm delivered at 4,600rpm. It’s the first production Mustang in Europe available with a high-performance TREMEC six-speed manual transmission, featuring rev-matching technology for seamless down-shifts and an upgraded oil-cooler system for high-demand performance driving.
A unique suspension set-up further enhances road performance and track-readiness. Specially-calibrated MagneRide dampers and bespoke springs, anti-roll bars and bush specifications deliver improved control and response under high cornering loads. Retuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) software enables the Mach 1 to offer the most precise steering of any Mustang in Europe. The result is the fastest production Mustang around a track ever offered to customers in the region.
The Mustang Mach 1 benefits from a series of aerodynamic changes that bring performance gains as well as providing a distinctive look that pays homage to the styling of the original models. A unique front-end configuration includes a new two-piece upper grille, new lower grille and splitter, and new side grilles: all contributing to the improved aerodynamic and cooling performance. This creates 22 per cent more downforce than the Mustang GT, supported by a rear diffuser design shared with the Mustang Shelby GT500 model available to North America customers, and a longer undertray that incorporates dedicated fins that direct cooling air to the brakes.
Bespoke suspension tuning is designed to cope with the high demands of track driving. The MagneRide adjustable suspension system electronically controls the magnetorheological fluid inside the damper to respond in real time to changing road conditions, and has been recalibrated for optimum performance alongside the stiffer front springs and anti-roll bars. In addition to the new EPAS calibration, Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT500 subframes and toe-link components contribute to the sharpest Mustang steering responses in Europe yet.
The Mustang Mach 1 also gains a higher specification brake booster with a faster response time, ensuring quick and consistent braking performance even under high loads. Unique five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels that are 0.5 inches wider front and rear, and fitted with track-ready Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. This is one car we can’t wait to drive!
