Ford Mustang Mach 1 touches down in Africa
THE Ford Mustang Mach 1 is the most track-focused Mustang yet, and it has officially touched down in southern Africa. As an exclusive limited-edition model, only 90 units are available for the southern African market, making the new Mustang Mach 1 a highly sought-after car that pays tribute to the original, iconic 1969 version – but with all the modern design and performance attributes that have helped make the currentgeneration Mustang the world’s best-selling sports car.
The V8-powered Mustang GT already delivers exhilarating performance, but a specially calibrated 338kW version of the 5.0-litre unit in the Mach 1 ensures even greater thrills, combined with unique transmission specifications, bespoke aerodynamics and new performance component cooling systems for greater agility and consistent ontrack performance.
Mustang Mach 1 delivers 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.4 seconds with increased downforce compared with the Mustang GT for enhanced cornering capability and high-speed stability. Introducing the iconic Mach 1 moniker to the African market for the first time, the limited-edition model also delivers bold race-derived styling, specification and unique detailing.
“There’s a reason Mustang is the world’s best-selling sports car, but the Mach 1 elevates Mustang to another level in the hearts of performance car fans,” said Doreen Mashinini, General Manager for Marketing at Ford South Africa. “Road or track, this is the most capable Mustang yet, and is more than worthy of carrying the legendary Mach 1 badge”.
“A true Mustang Mach 1 needs to look fast even standing still,” Mashinini says. “The functional aerodynamics and exclusive raceinspired features of the Mach 1 will leave performance car fans in no doubt that this Mustang means business – even before it hits the track.”
Thoroughbred performance
Specially tuned for a “reward-to-rev” character that makes the Mustang driving experience more satisfying than ever, the Mustang Mach 1’s Ford V8 engine combines a highperformance Open Air Induction System, intake manifold and 87mm throttle bodies with low-pressure port fuel injection and high-pressure direct fuel injection for 338kW of power at 7 250r/min and 529Nm of torque at 4 900r/min. Sustained performance driving is supported by an auxiliary engine oil cooler and a new engine oil filter adaptor to ensure optimum oil flow and consistent performance on track. Mustang Mach 1 customers have a choice of high-strength, high-precision transmissions designed to comfortably manage high-rev gearshifts. Offered for the first time on a production Mustang, the TREMEC six-speed manual gearbox is derived from the Shelby GT350. It features a robust twin-disc clutch and short-throw shifter, while aggressive upshifts and downshifts are made smoother, more precise and easier to perform with revmatching technology and flat-shift capability. Also available is Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic gearbox, featuring an upgraded torque converter and unique calibration.
Both transmissions benefit from a dedicated oil cooler, rear axle cooling system and limited slip differential for consistently optimised transfer of torque to the road. The 10-speed automatic also features a second air-to-oil cooler – increasing cooling capacity by a further 75%.
Aerodynamic enhancements include new two-piece upper as well as lower and side grilles for improved cooling, and a new front splitter, undertray, single-deck rear spoiler and performance rear diffuser for optimised downforce and aero balance. The lengthened undertray also uses dedicated fins to direct cooling air to the brakes, which themselves feature a higher specification brake booster for consistently responsive braking performance. Six-piston Brembo brake calipers support 100-0 km/h stopping distances of less than 32 metres.
Combining with enhanced aerodynamics to deliver Mustang’s sharpest directional changes and most agile responses to-date, electric power-assisted steering, electronicallycontrolledMagneRide®2adjustablesuspension, and stiffer front springs and anti-roll bars are all uniquely tuned for Mustang Mach 1.
The suspension architecture is configured to mitigate squat, dive and lift under hard acceleration and braking, and includes subframes and toe-link components proven in Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT500 models. Unique five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels are 0.5 inches wider at the rear, and fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres for outstanding grip on road and track.
Further enhancing the performance driving experience, Mustang Mach 1 continues to deliver Mustang selectable Drive Modes including Sport and Track modes, with Track Apps enabling drivers to deploy accelerometer, acceleration timers and Launch Control features – viewed in the standard 12-inch all-digital instrument cluster. Performanceinspired design
Race-derived styling is a hallmark of the iconic Mustang Mach 1 since the very first iteration in 1969. The newest generation’s styling is strongly influenced by aerodynamic features including the front grilles, front splitter, rear diffuser and rear spoiler in distinctive high or low-gloss black and Magnetic finishes. Unique 19-inch wheels are finished in moody, low-gloss Dark Tarnish.
Signalling the Mustang Mach 1’s exclusive status, all units are painted in metallic Fighter Jet Grey, complemented by satin black/ reflective orange stripes – which also adds orange brake calipers. Mach 1 logos appear on the rear deck lid and on the front wings reinforcing this model’s proud heritage. Mustang Mach 1’s bespoke-tuned Active Valve Performance Exhaust system features four chromed 4.5-inch tips for an unmistakable look in addition to the unique sound.
Inside, leather sports seats feature Metal Grey stitching and each Mustang Mach 1 interior includes a dashboard badge with Mach 1 logo and build number. Standard comfort and convenience technologies include heated and cooled front seats, SYNC 3 connectivity and a premium 10-speaker B&O Sound System.