Ford Revives Mustang Mach 1 As Top Performing 5.0L Model

Throughout the 56-year history of the Mustang, Ford has consistently introduced a range of limited edition variants, many of which have become icons in their own right including the Boss 302, GT350, GT500 and of course the Mach 1. The Mach 1 is returning to the Mustang lineup for the 2021 model year as what is claimed to be the most track capable 5.0-liter V8 pony yet. 

With production of the current generation Shelby GT350 winding down with the end of the 2020 model run, that should make the Mach 1 the quickest naturally aspirated V8 Mustang, with only the supercharged 760-hp GT500 outpacing it. Almost no details about the Mach 1 have been revealed yet other than the engine size. 

It’s probably safe to assume that it will at least match the 480-hp and 420 lb-ft of torque from the also outgoing Bullitt. If the engineers do manage to crank it up a little more, it will probably still fall a bit short of the 526-hp from the high-revving 5.2-liter flat-plane crank V8 in the GT350 so somewhere between 480 and 500-hp seems likely. 

Will it be electrified?

Another possibility that Ford isn’t discussing openly yet is that the Mach 1 will be the promised hybrid Mustang. Back in 2017, a hybrid Mustang was promised for introduction in 2020. Since then Ford engineers have said the hybrid will be a performance oriented setup. Ford’s new modular hybrid system for rear-wheel-drive vehicles is based on the existing 10-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor packaged between the engine and torque convertor. 

If Ford chooses to electrify the Mach 1, they will likely use the 44-hp motor from the Explorer hybrid which also packs 221 lb-ft of torque. Paired up with the 480-hp V8 from the Bullitt that would virtually match the GT350’s power with substantially more low-end torque. The downside to this approach would be lack of a manual transmission option. 

Based on the teaser images of the Mach 1 prototype in testing, it appears to have the wider front tires of the Performance Pack Level 2 and will likely use a further refined version of that suspension setup. It also appears to have the optional rear spoiler from the 2020 GT350 with the adjustable Gurney flap for extra downforce. 

Aside from a new wheel design, the only other visual change is a new front fascia with a pair of round air intakes in the grille that recall the original 1969 Mach 1 and Boss 302 with driving lamps in the same position. One thing some enthusiasts may find lacking is the absence of the “shaker” hood scoop last seen on the 2003-2004 Mach 1 as well as many of the originals. Given the vibrant Mustang aftermarket, someone will likely address this deficiency before the Mach 1 actually starts production.

No doubt, Ford will continue to tease out details of the Mach 1 throughout the summer before finally launching it later this year.