Digging deep into its heritage roots, Ford announced the return of the Mach 1 moniker after a 17-year hiatus with the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 on Tuesday.
The car, a limited special edition based on the current-gen Ford Mustang, isn't just an appearance package, though that's included too. No, the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 is packed nose to tail with performance goodies.
Let's start with the engine. The Mach 1 uses a version of the 5.0-liter, cross-plane crank V8 that's found in the Mustang GT, but tuned to put out a claimed 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque like the current Bullitt Mustang.
Beyond that, Ford fitted the new Mach 1 with features found on the high-performance Shelby GT350 and GT500.
The Mach 1 comes with either a 10-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. But, if you elect to row your own gears, you're in for a treat: Ford gave it the Tremec six-speed lifted directly from the GT350. It's a crisp, snappy, and short-throwing thing — a joy to drive.
The rear-end aerodynamics — rear axle cooling system, lower diffuser, swing spoiler, and Gurney flap — are all sourced from the mighty GT500.
In a press conference, Ford's Mustang Vehicle Integration Supervisor Nick Terzes called the new Mach 1 "the most track-capable 5.0-liter Mustang there is."
Keep reading to find out what else is cool about the 2021 Mustang Mach 1.