It's been 17 years since Ford last offered a Mach 1 version of the Mustang, and the iconic nameplate finally returned. After it skipped the fifth-generation pony car, Ford revived the Mach 1 for the sixth-gen model, almost seven years after it debuted in late 2013. A bit late, we would say, but it's better late than never. Just like its predecessors, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 combines a bold styling package with a beefed-up V-8 engine borrowed from the regular GT. Let's see what it's all about below.

2021 The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Has Arrived To Make Everything Right In the World

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  • Model: 2021 The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Has Arrived To Make Everything Right In the World

2020 The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Has Arrived To Make Everything Right In the World

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2020 The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Has Arrived To Make Everything Right In the World
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2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Reveal Video

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 looks just as cool as the original

Styling-wise, we could say that the Mach 1 bridges the gap between the GT and the Shelby GT350. Although it retains the familiar looks of the Mustang GT, it boasts a more aggressive stance that reminds of Shelby-badged Mustang. And it combines all of the above with a few unique features. Ford revised the front end for the Mach 1. New elements include a grille with a deep 3D mesh, a shark-nosed section, and faux lamp elements that harken back to the original Mach 1. It also includes new side grilles, a unique splitter, and a pony badge finished in Magnetic (that's Ford talk for grey). The Magnetic accents extend to other elements of the body, including the mirror caps, the rear spoiler, and the "Mach 1" badges on the front fenders.

The Mach 1 rides on 19-inch wheels specifically developed for this model. They're finished in Tarnished Black and feature a five-spoke design that harkens back to the iconic Magnum 500 wheels. Opt for the Handling Package and the Mach 1 comes with a larger front splitter for enhanced downforce, a rear wing spoiler with a Gurney flap, and rear tire spats from the Shelby GT500. With the Handling Package, the Mach 1 benefits from 150 percent more downforce. Impressive!

This new muscle car is available in eight colors. While seven are shared with the regular Mustang, Ford offers a Mach 1 exclusive Fighter Jet Gray hue. However, this color only comes with the Appearance Package. As far as go-fast stripes go, they're in Satin Black only, but you can combine them with accent stripes in red, white, or orange.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1's interior is more of the same with some unique features

Interior upgrades aren't as extensive but include aluminum accents on a dashboard finished in Dark Spindrift. There's an ebony finish with accent stripes for the seats, a white cue ball shift knob, and an engraved badge with the vehicle's chassis number. Other Mach 1 goodies include new sill plates and a splash screen for the infotainment display. Not as exciting as the Shelby GT350, but at least it's not as dull as the regular Mustang GT.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 comes with Bullitt power and Shelby components

Ford says the 5.0-liter V-8 has been updated to deliver 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque and that's identical to the Mustang Bullitt.} However, the Mach 1 pumps an extra 20 horses and compared to the Mustang GT, while torque remains the same. Compared to the Shelby GT350, the Mach 1 lags behind by 46 horsepower and just nine pound-feet of twist.

But that's not to say that the Mach 1 is a Bullitt model under the shell. While the Bullitt is restricted to the six-speed manual transmission, you can buy the Mach 1 with the 10-speed automatic as well. The six-speed comes from the GT350, and, for the first time, it's paired with a rev-matching system. The optional 10-speed automatic features an upgraded torque converter, unique calibration, and a second air-to-oil cooler that increases cooling capacity by 75 percent.

The list of performance components borrowed from the Shelby GT350 includes the intake manifold, oil filter adapter, and engine oil cooler, while the rear axle cooling system and diffuser come from the Shelby GT500. The Mach 1 also features a new underbelly pan that extends 20 inches further rearward than on a Mustang GT Performance Pack. This upgrade improves aerodynamics by increasing the airflow under the front of the car.

The Mach 1 is also more dynamic on twisty roads thanks to a revised MagneRide calibration, a stiffer steering I-shaft, new EPAS calibration, and stiffer sway bars and front springs. Ford also added a brake booster from the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2, a rear subframe with stiffer bushings, and a rear toe-link from the Shelby GT500.

So how quick is the 2021 Mustang Mach 1? Well, Ford hasn't released performance figures yet, but it's safe to assume that it's at least as quick as the Mustang Bullitt. The latter needs 4.6 seconds to hit 60 mph, so the Mach 1 could do it in 4.5 ticks. The automatic transmission could reduce that to 4.4 seconds. Top speed should be similar to the Bullitt at 163 mph.