Spy Shots: Is This Our First Look at the 2021 Mustang Mach 1?
This white camouflaged Mustang prototype sports Performance Pack Level 2 Wheels and a GT500-inspired rear end. Is it the next Mach 1?
Spy photographers spotted an intriguing Mustang prototype today. Is it the rumored 2021 Mustang Mach 1 that CJ Pony Parts accidentally leaked last month? That’s our guess, but it raises a few questions about the future of the Mustang lineup. At first glance, this prototype seems to be a fusion of Ford Performance parts, pulling from the Bullitt, Performance Pack Levels 1 & 2, and GT500 parts bins. Let’s break down what we see.
The Front
The camouflaged front end appears to feature a slight lower-facia revision, with elevated turn signals. The front splitter is also quite large and seems similar to the Bullitt and PP1 Mustangs. The front grilles appear to be standard GT equipment, which could mean that this isn’t a Mach 1, but rather a PP2 revision. (More on this below.) Nothing else jumps out as radically different, but it’s worth noting that the headlights appear to be 18+ rather than the 15-17 lights used on the GT350 and GT500.
The Side
Here, we note the PP2 wheels wrapped in Michelin tires (PS4S or Cup 2s, we’re not sure) and red Brembo brakes, again reminiscent of the Bullitt. Also, based on the headrest shape, we’d wager these are the standard seats, not Recaros.
The Back
Around back, things get really interesting. It appears as though this prototype is rocking a GT500 rear wing, rear valence, and quad-tip exhaust. You can also see the shark-finned satellite radio antenna on the roof, indicating that this is a premium model.
Is This a 2021 Mustang Mach 1 Prototype?
The Mach 1 nameplate debuted in 1968 on 1969 model-year Mustangs and continued through 1978 before a brief resurrection in 2003 and 2004. In the late ’60s, the Mach 1 was so popular Ford retired the GT badge until 1982. It’s unlikely that Ford would do the same today, but we’re curious about what this prototype actually is. And, if it is the Mach 1, what does it mean for the future of the Mustang lineup?
Most rumors indicate the 2021 Mach 1 will take the Bullitt’s place as a model between the GT and the GT350. That being said, we also don’t know how long the GT350 will remain in production. We’ve even heard rumblings that Ford will only produce both Shelbys in the 2020 model year.
Why does this matter? Horsepower. The current GT produces a healthy 460 ponies, while the Bullitt eeks out an extra 20 hp thanks to a revised intake. Would a Mach 1 match 480 or will Ford top themselves and push for 500?
If the Shelby sticks around, Ford can’t go too far without encroaching on the GT350’s 526 hp. Of course, the Shelby is much more capable than what a simple power figure indicates, but still, it doesn’t make sense to have two different models making approximately the same power. So perhaps this means the Mach 1 will take the place of the GT350 between the GT PP1/PP2 and the GT500.
Then again, we also find it fascinating that this prototype was spotted with PP2 parts. It might mean nothing, of course, but let’s assume Ford doesn’t want the Mach 1 to be a Bullitt rehash. Given that Bullitts are, effectively, Premium PP1 Mustangs, perhaps the Mach 1 will be a premium PP2. Then again, as we said above, given the standard GT grille on this prototype, perhaps we’re not looking at a Mach 1 at all. Maybe this is just a PP2 refresh.
Whatever it is, we can wait to see and hear the final version. Here’s the full sequence in order:
Photos by Glenn Paulina for Mustang Forums. Used with permission.
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