2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 First Look

Given all of the styling and performance cues from other Mustangs, alternate names include the Mustang Shelby Bullitt 302 Level 2.

(Editor’s Note: This article is being republished from our sister site with permission.)

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is BACK after a 17-year nameplate hiatus with a souped-up 5.0 Gen 3 Coyote, a Shelby GT350 transmission option, added cooling and aero, and a GT500 lower diffuser and optional spoiler. In other words, it’s a parts-bin car with bits and pieces from the Bullitt, Performance Package Level 2 Mustang GT, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT500. In that sense, it doesn’t blow our minds with originality or engineering exclusivity. That being said, this is a pretty awesome collection of parts.

Regardless of its origins, the new Mach 1 promises to be the baddest naturally-aspirated 5.0 Mustang of all time on the streets and the track. (This is usually the part where some dude says, “No way, man, the Shelby GT350 is better!” because they forgot the Voodoo engine is actually a 5.2.).

Let’s break it down

Bullitt Power, Shelby Endurance

Here’s the only part we find lackluster. After an exciting rumor claiming Ford was going to jazz up the third-gen Coyote to an impressive 525 crank-horsepower, the official numbers are identical to the Bullitt. 480 horsepower at 7,000 RPM, and 420 ft.-lbs. of torque at 4,600 RPM. Although, MotorTrend reported that it’s not exactly the same as the Bullitt engine. According to Ford, this means “revised Shelby GT350 components including the intake manifold, oil filter adapter, and engine oil cooler, increasing engine oil cooling capability by 50 percent.”

Still, while we were personally hoping to see more of a beefed-up Boss 302 style engine that pushed the Coyote north of 500 ponies, the news isn’t all bad. How so? You see, the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2 was so good on track, it could keep up with the Shelby GT350 for much less money. But unlike the Shelby and the Camaro SS 1LE, PP2 Mustangs lack a diff cooler. This means that after a few hot laps, your pony goes into limp mode.

The Mustang Mach 1 corrects this mistake. “To enhance track endurance, the team added two side heat exchangers – one to cool engine oil, the other transmission oil – as well as a rear axle cooling system and lower diffuser from Shelby GT500.” This, right here, is one of the biggest reasons you’d want a Mach 1 over a Mustang GT.

Two Transmissions

Even if the engine numbers are slightly disappointing, here’s where things get exciting. Not only does the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 have two different transmission options, but neither are the questionable MT-82. That’s right, if you opt for a manual in your Mach 1, it’s gonna be a Tremec. The Tremec 3160 6-speed manual straight out of the Shelby GT350, to be specific. And while this variation uses the Mustang GT’s twin-disc clutch, it still includes the GT350 oil cooler as well as rev-matching (a first for this specific transmission in a Mustang.)

Or, if city cruising and/or straight-line go-fasting is in your future, you can opt for the 10R80 that’s very common in many Fords today, from the Mustang GT to the F-150 and Expedition. This version boasts “an upgraded torque converter and unique calibration that enables optimizing torque capability, shift character, and overall enhanced performance. A second air-to-oil cooler increases cooling capacity by 75 percent.” The fun thing about this, of course, is that previous Performance Pack and Bullitt editions were manual-only, but for folks who want to drag race, they’re gonna want this 10-speed auto.

Handling

Straight out of the box, the Mach 1 is going to be a track monster. It features a new front splitter with 22% more downforce than the PP1/Bullitt Mustangs as well as “the latest MagneRide calibration, a stiffer steering I-shaft, new EPAS calibration, stiffer sway bars, and front springs, a brake booster from the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2, 9.5-inch/10-inch split fitment wheels with Michelin PS4 tires, a rear subframe with stiffer bushings and a rear toe-link from Shelby GT500.” It also includes the Performance Package Level 2 rear spoiler.

Ford engineers also take their designs under the car, extending the underbelly pan an additional 20 inches to “smooth and increase the airflow under the front of the car. Large underwing features in the belly pan increase downforce, while special belly pan airfoils in the brake cooling ramps improve downforce and assist the brake cooling flow – a first for Mustang.”

If all of those things don’t sound track-monstery enough for you, Ford plans to offer a Mach 1 Handling Package, which includes a more aggressive front splitter with 150% more downforce than PP1 Mustangs. This package, with is only available with the Tremec 3160 6-speed, also features a “low-gloss Magnetic swing spoiler with a Gurney flap and rear tire spats from Shelby GT500” as well as wider 19-inch x 10.5-inch front, and 19-inch x 11-inch rear Tarnished Dark-painted aluminum wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

Visuals

Okay, we know the purists are gonna moan about the missing shaker hood option, but generally speaking, the new Mach 1 looks the part. In addition to the aforementioned added aero and cooling, the new gloss black upper grille looks very familiar to the Boss 302 fans out there. Standard options include Iconic Silver, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Velocity Blue, Twister Orange, Race Red, and Grabber Yellow. Mach 1s also features satin black side and hood stripes with red or white reflective accent stripes.

On the inside, the Mustang Mach 1 is a premium model with leather interior, heated & cooled seats (or optimal Recaros), and the 12.3″ digital instrument cluster. Expect more than a few Mach 1 badges to remind you which Mustang you bought (in case you forgot).

There’s also an optional Appearance package that includes a Mach 1 exclusive color Fighter Jet Gray — pictured all over this article — and orange reflective accent stripes.

Mach 1 Pricing

Ford has yet to officially release pricing, but as we know, the Mach 1 is replacing the outgoing 2019-2020 Bullitt, which MSRPs for around $48,000 to $54,000 depending on options. We expect a similar base price, although given wording like “the latest MagneRide calibration,” which likely means MagRide is standard, we don’t expect to see a four as the first number in the pricing. Also, with the Shelby GT350 not returning for 2021, we might see Mach 1 Mustangs with every possible option head toward or, perhaps, top, $60,000.

Availability

The “limited-edition” 2021 Mustang Mach 1 arrives in dealerships in Spring of 2021.

Photos: Ford Motor Company

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Michael S. Palmer

Michael S. Palmer began his career assisting and developing content for Academy Award-winning and studio-based film and television producers. He has been a professional writer since 2008, when he joined the Writers Guild of America West (WGAw). As a journalist and Content Editor/Manager, he has covered numerous emerging imaging, theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, and automotive technologies. He currently spends his days creating original content at the Internet Brands Automotive Group for some of the world's largest online automotive communities, including Ford Truck Enthusiasts, CorvetteForum, ClubLexus, AudiWorld, and LS1Tech. He still owns his first car, a 1987 Mercury Cougar; adores driving his Boss 302 Mustang; and recently teamed with Chevrolet Performance, Holley, Magnaflow, Eaton, Wilwood, Michelin, Chemical Guys, Summit Racing to build his first project car. Installing an LS3 E-ROD Connect & Cruise system into a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon made his eight-passenger wagon faster than a C5 Corvette to 60mph and 50 state emissions legal. His wife and daughter are very patient.

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