2021 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 10AT
Price: R1 203 800
Engine: 5,0-litre, V8, petrol
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Power: 338 kw @ 7 250 r/min
Torque: 529 N.m @ 4 900 r/min
0-100 km/h: 4,40 seconds*
Top speed: 249 km/h*
Fuel consumption: 11,70 L/100 km*
CO²: 270 g/km *Claimed figures
While Mustangs have been imported into the country through various ways and means over the past 50 years, it was only with the latest-generation right-hand-drive models in 2016 that they were officially available. The sixthgeneration Mustang has been a hit with local Ford fans and garnered huge sales success. The mothership’s dedication to the local market recently doubled down when it allocated 90 units of the all-new Mach 1 to SA.
With the two cars parked next to one another, the design cues that link the ’71 model to the current pony car are obvious. At the front, the vents integrated on the grille and bonnet are strikingly similar to the lamps and vents found on the first generation. Although different in design, both models possess a subtle black splitter at the base of the front bumper. From the rear, a black bar that connects the taillamps is another notable link. Another consistent element is the sleek fastback silhouette that can clearly be seen in profile. Both Mustangs are unique and distinctive in their own way but how they flex their muscles of steel is identical.
The latest iteration is a proper tribute to the original in that it is a performance pack for the GT. The naturally aspirated 5,0-litre Coyote V8 sports power cranked up by 7 kw to 338 kw, and the 529 N.m of torque remains unchanged. This power is delivered to the rear wheels via either a Tremec sixspeed manual gearbox sourced from the Shelby GT350 – 15 of these are coming to SA – or the 10-speed torque converter.
It’s not just the drivetrain that’s been revised on the Mach 1. Ford has incorporated the intake manifold, oil-filter adapter, engine-oil cooler and front and rear subframe from the Shelby GT350 and the rear-axle cooling system, rear-toe link and rear diffuser from the Shelby GT500 to make this a more accomplished muscle car. With all of these advancements, the modern Mach 1 feels strides ahead of its firstgeneration ancestor but the heritage of its character remains intact. In the cabin, there are modern displays, improved finishes and the packaging remains generous with wide seats and ample headroom. Controls such as the steering wheel, gear selector and manual handbrake also have a comforting, chunky feel to them.
At the push of the starter button, the Mustang’s Coyote V8 comes to life in a similar fashion to its predecessor. The burbling of all eight cylinders filters into the cabin as you slide the shifter into drive. Thanks to its advanced torque converter and electronic accelerator, it’s an effortless task to pull away from a standstill. Interestingly though, for the sake of preserving a more dynamic sensation, the electrically assisted steering feels particularly heavy – certainly much heavier than the ’71 – but dynamic responsiveness is impressive.
Although the modern Mach 1 is easy, poised and can be driven spiritedly from minute one compared to the original, the core of its personality stays true to its forbear. With access to power from low r/min and gear ratios that are evenly spaced over 10 increments, it loves to chug down the road, making its presence known with a characterful V8 exhaust rumble.
Interestingly, despite the front Macpherson and rear multi-link suspension with the Magneride adaptive system, the modern Mach 1 is the firmer of the two, but once you tackle a few corners, the benefits of this sportier setup can be appreciated.
The 2021 Mach 1 is like a greatest hits album that has taken the very best aspects of what made early Mach 1 models so special and merged them into a modern, sporty package. Whether it’s the original or the modern Mustang Mach 1, getting behind the wheel is an occasion every single time regardless of the intent of your journey.
In a world where brands are more obsessed with playing the numbers game, it’s hard to deny there is something particularly refreshing in that.