FORD MUSTANG MACH 1

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HE FORD Mustang range is set to get a trackfocused halo model in the form of the recently revealed Mach 1.

The pseudo-Shelby special edition isn’t yet confirmed for Australia, however our Mustang-crazed market means it shouldn’t be hard to build a business case for its arrival Down Under.

If it’s confirmed, the Mach 1 will sit atop the local Mustang range, with the

Aussie-assembled R-Spec’s limited run set to come to a close soon.

Think of the Mach 1 as the result of what would happen if the Bullitt Mustang raided the undie drawers of the Shelby GT350 and GT500.

Outputs from the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 are identical to the Bullitt at 345kW and 556Nm, thanks to an airbox, intake manifold, and throttle body from the GT350.

Automatic Mach 1s are fitted with the familiar 10-speed ’box, while manuals now use the Tremec six-speed gearbox fitted to the GT350, mated to the regular GT Mustang’s twin-disc clutch and short shifter.

However, to make this variant more capable on track, Ford engineers have raided the Shelby parts bin to improve heat management. New gearbox and engine oil coolers have been fitted, along with a new front bar designed to aid these systems. The GT500 has donated its rear diffuser, along with a rear-axle cooler.

Adaptive Magneride dampers are standard, while anti-roll bars and springs have been altered to give the Mach 1 a bespoke suspension tune to match its track-focused intent.

Fatter wheels front and rear (now 9.5- and 10-inches respectively) aim to boost mid-corner grip, while manual models can be optioned with a handling pack that adds a larger front splitter, rear spoiler with Gurney flap, and rear tyre spats from the GT500.