The Ford Mustang Mach 1 hides a 480bhp V8 punch behind an angry face – Top Gear

Underneath all that, the Mach 1’s magnetic-adjustable dampers have actually been retuned, the power steering’s been modified, and there’s a stack of new colours on top. We’ll take a blue one with 3 pedals in the footwell, ta.

You can have a six-speed short-throw stick-shift from the GT350, except in the Mach 1, you get auto rev-matching. Or, if you’re new-school, Ford will slot in the Mustang’s 10, yes, ten-speed automated. As standard, the Mach 1 has 20 per cent more downforce than a routine Mustang, but you can up that to 150 per cent more negative lift by ticking the Handling Package box. Underneath all that, the Mach 1’s magnetic-adjustable dampers have actually been retuned, the power steering’s been modified, and there’s a heap of brand-new colours on top. For the new Mach 1, which shows up in United States and Canadian car dealerships in spring next year, Ford may have had a modification of heart.

Behind the brand-new grille, and its faux foglight blanks, lives the uprated V8 from the Mustang Bullitt. A brand-new consumption manifold and cooling device from the GT350 lift power by a modest 29bhp and 30lb ft. Not huge numbers, however we’re not discussing a contemporary turbo-boosted hypercar here. This is more old-fashioned tuning, and are we truly going to sit here and argue about a 473bhp, 5.0-litre V8 sending all its power to the rear wheels being ‘not enough?” We hope not.

Ford’s plan here was to build a Mustang that slots into the gulf between the basic V8 model, and the hardcore, track-bred GT350 and GT500 versions. Believe of it as a Porsche 911 GTS, using cowboy boots. It’s not the complete huge wing ‘n’ fries, however it’s effective and loud enough to cause a YouTube field day next time you attempt to exit Cars ‘n’ Coffee.

Normally, we’re a bit suspicious of niche-busting vehicles built to slot neatly into a space in the marketing plan. Not this one. It’s the return of the Mach.

And you understand what? We limeys might simply be able to. Usually, scandal sheet Mustangs are only constructed for North America.

GT350 fans over here in Blighty needed to import a left-hooker. For the new Mach 1, which arrives in United States and Canadian dealerships in spring next year, Ford might have had a change of heart. Ford’s chief ops officer Jim Farley has revealed “there’s never ever been a better time to restore Mach 1 and have it go global too”.

In between the engine and the soon-to-be-burned-out rear tyres is an option of transmissions. Feeling traditional? Then you can have a six-speed short-throw stick-shift from the GT350, except in the Mach 1, you get automobile rev-matching. You do not have to be a hero to downshift like one. Or, if you’re new-school, Ford will slot in the Mustang’s ten, yes, ten-speed automated. And some plasters for your paddleshifting fingertips.

As requirement, the Mach 1 has 20 percent more downforce than a regular Mustang, but you can up that to 150 percent more negative lift by ticking the Handling Package box. Gee, speccing a muscle car sure is fun.

With that box ticked, the factory will apply a bigger front splitter and rear wing combination, and a long, low-drag underbelly pan. Your finished cars and truck likewise trips on larger 19-inch rims. And because Ford desires the Handling Package to be bought by traditionalists, you can just choice if it you’re choosing a manual.

So, where were we? Blue, handbook, Handling Pack, thanks. Have it sent out to the Top Gear test track please, Ford. Care of a Mr. S Tig …

from WordPress https://ift.tt/3fqCo2w