The 2021 model year is right around the corner, and Ford is still testing the latest and the greatest Mustang with the Coyote V8. Spied by Automotive Mike at the Nurburgring during the Industry Pool testing session, the free-breathing pony sounds a lot like the Bullitt special edition that’s been discontinued only recently.
Care to guess why the Mach 1 and Bullitt are so similar in terms of aural pleasure? Both feature 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet (570 Nm) of torque, coming courtesy of the Open Air Induction System and the intake manifold from the Shelby GT350. The 87-millimeter throttle bodies and a re-calibrated PCM are two other highlights.
There are, however, differences between the Mach 1 and Bullitt under the skin. Ford added a pair of heat exchangers – one for the engine oil and the other for the transmission oil – as well as a cooling system for the rear axle. The stiffer steering I-shaft, sway bars and front springs, the brake booster from the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2, and Shelby GT500 components are also featured.
To ensure the corner-carving capability you would expect from the most driver-centric Mustang with the Coyote V8, the Blue Oval has also worked its magic in terms of aero. The Mach 1 promises 22 more downforce than the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 1 and that figure jumps to 150 percent with the Handling Pack. Last, but certainly not least, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires come standard.
Described as a limited edition even though “limited” has more to do with the years of availability instead of the production volume, the Mach 1 is scheduled to arrive at U.S. and Canadian dealerships in the spring of 2021. The Tremec 3160 six-speed manual transmission can be exchanged for the 10-speed automatic that Ford calls 10R80, but the stick shift is the only choice available for the Handling Pack.
It’s not known how much the Mach 1 will cost, but one thing is certain. Right off the bat, it’ll match or exceed the $47,705 of the Bullitt excluding destination charge. Add the performance-enhancing option mentioned beforehand, and you’re likely to go higher than $50,000. On that note, Ford has made room for this burbly pony by discontinuing the Shelby GT350 as well as the GT350R for 2021.
There are, however, differences between the Mach 1 and Bullitt under the skin. Ford added a pair of heat exchangers – one for the engine oil and the other for the transmission oil – as well as a cooling system for the rear axle. The stiffer steering I-shaft, sway bars and front springs, the brake booster from the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2, and Shelby GT500 components are also featured.
To ensure the corner-carving capability you would expect from the most driver-centric Mustang with the Coyote V8, the Blue Oval has also worked its magic in terms of aero. The Mach 1 promises 22 more downforce than the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 1 and that figure jumps to 150 percent with the Handling Pack. Last, but certainly not least, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires come standard.
Described as a limited edition even though “limited” has more to do with the years of availability instead of the production volume, the Mach 1 is scheduled to arrive at U.S. and Canadian dealerships in the spring of 2021. The Tremec 3160 six-speed manual transmission can be exchanged for the 10-speed automatic that Ford calls 10R80, but the stick shift is the only choice available for the Handling Pack.
It’s not known how much the Mach 1 will cost, but one thing is certain. Right off the bat, it’ll match or exceed the $47,705 of the Bullitt excluding destination charge. Add the performance-enhancing option mentioned beforehand, and you’re likely to go higher than $50,000. On that note, Ford has made room for this burbly pony by discontinuing the Shelby GT350 as well as the GT350R for 2021.