The Ford Mustang Mach 1: An icon re-imagined

I arrived in Cape Town on a cold, wet and very windy day. The media was introduced to the Mach 1 and then given the keys to this amazing ‘speedster’. I was initially disappointed with the wet weather as I really wanted to ‘floor’ it, but I was glad that the sun made a few cameo appearances that dried up the roads, which allowed me to put the pedal to the metal.

The sound from the exhausts via a normally aspirated engine was music to my ears and I just could not get enough of that very iconic double-barrelled exhaust sound. The drive on the Atlantic seaboard was thrilling as much as it was exhilarating. If you know the road all along the coast to Hermanus, you will know that it is winding, but there are some straights where one can really ‘push it. The top speed is 267kmph.

Back to the future, Mustang style

As an exclusive limited-edition model, only 90 units are available for the South 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 current-generation 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 on-track performance.

“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,” says Doreen Mashinini, general manager for marketing at Ford South Africa.

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 high-performance 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.

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. Also available is Ford’s advanced 10-speed automatic gearbox, featuring an upgraded torque converter and unique calibration.

Race me, stop me

Aerodynamic enhancements include a new two-piece upper as well as lower and side grilles for improved cooling, and a new front splitter. The lengthened undertray 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 callipers support 100-0 km/h stopping distances of less than 32 metres. 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. Unique 19-inch wheels are finished in moody, low-gloss Dark Tarnish.

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.

Performance-inspired design: Inside and out

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 callipers. Mach 1 logos appear on the rear decklid 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. Standard comfort and convenience technologies include heated and cooled front seats, Sync 3 connectivity and a premium 10-speaker B&O Sound System.

Verdict

This ‘racer’ is a screen icon and has featured in more movies and has more Facebook followers than any other car in the world. In 2018, the 10th million Mustang rolled off the assembly line in Flat Rock, Michigan. In 2021, Mustang celebrated its 57th birthday as the world’s best-selling sports car for the second consecutive year.

The Mustang has retained the title of best-selling sports coupé globally for six straight years. Back in Mzansi, the Mustang is the best-selling sports car in South Africa and since being introduced here in 2015, it has sold 3,426 units. I am not surprised. It looks fast, even when standing still. It is really a true thoroughbred.