Ford revives iconic Mustang Mach 1 nameplate

FORD has teased the latest iteration of its popular Mustang muscle car, the Mach 1, which revives the legendary nameplate first used in 1969 and ushers in new performance and handling upgrades.

The American car-maker is promising the upcoming Mach 1 will return as “the most track-ready 5.0-litre Mustang ever”, however an Australian debut remains unlikely with Ford Australia saying the Mach 1 is a US-based initiative.

“The Mach 1 news is specific to the US,” Ford Australia said in a statement.

“Here in Australia, we’re proud of Mustang R-Spec as our halo model, with the 2020 GT and 2.3L High Performance models offering greater value and choice for this iconic nameplate.”

Described by Ford as “the epitome of naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 performance”, the Mach 1 is likely to eclipse the performance of the current V8-powered GT grade, which pumps out 339kW of power at 7000rpm and 556Nm of torque at 4600rpm from its Coyote bent-eight.

Sure to drive the rear wheels, it is yet to be revealed whether the V8 will be mated to a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission, both of which are offered on the GT variant.

Ford has also promised improvements to handling but has not disclosed details of what such upgrades may be aside from the fitment of hi-po Brembo brakes.

A number of other suspension and handling enhancements can also be expected.

Visually, the Mach 1 is distinguished by a number of styling enhancements that reference past editions, starting from the front with the signature dual-headlight design with a second set of lights set inside the centre grille.

The Mach 1 will likely also score a new front bumper and air inlet design, while ‘Mach 1’ decals and a two-tone paint colour scheme are also anticipated.

At the rear, a unique spoiler is set to be applied, while the Coyote V8’s burble will be heard through quad-exit exhaust pipes.

Unique 19-inch black alloy wheels in a spindle design will be included, shod in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber.

The legend of the Mustang Mach 1 first began in the late 1960s with the original version debuting for the 1969 model year, and was followed two years later by a new version fitted with competition suspension and a range of engine options.

In 1974 the Mach 1 was reimagined as a hatchback, with a production run that spanned five years.

The last time the Mach 1 was seen was in 2003 and 2004, marking a nearly two-decade absence between iterations of the famous nameplate.

The current-generation Mustang – first released locally in early 2016 – has seen a number of special-edition models including the Bullitt, GT500 and R-Spec.