The Ford Mustang is undoubtedly one of the most adored performance vehicles in the country. It remains to be a top choice among Filipino car buyers who want to go fast and experience what a performance vehicle feels like.
American car brand Ford is leveling up the Mustang performance vehicle by reintroducing the Mach 1 for 2021. As a review, the Mach 1 is a performance-oriented variant that was first introduced in 1969, the iconic year when muscle cars were prominent.
Electri-Vacation, starring the Griswolds | Mustang Mach-E | Ford
The Mach 1 was retired in 1978 and returned briefly from 2003 to 2004. Now, the 2021 fifth-generation Mach 1 is officially unveiled and is ready to provide a track-ready performance. Ford stated that the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 is its best track vehicle to date.
Unfortunately, Ford Philippines hasn’t released any statement regarding the plans for the 2021 PH-spec Mustang. So for now, let’s take a look at what the returning Ford Mustang Mach 1 can offer and what can we expect from it.
2021 Ford Mustang: Exterior
Right off the bat, you would notice that the Mustang Mach 1 comes with an all-new front fascia design. Installing large air inlets are what seems to be Ford’s intent for the Mustang Mach 1. You can find them on the lower bumper and each side of it.
To efficiently utilize the large air inlets, Ford decided to install two massive splitters located below the lower bumper. The large grille gives the front fascia a sleeker look.
Within the newly-designed grille, you would find two blacked-out fog lamp housing-looking inserts. They contain baffles that can be removed so air can flow freely into the engine resulting in better cooling.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1
The hood is similar to the GT variant that is available in the local market. To make the Mustang Mach 1 more distinct, it comes with a unique hood stripe paired with a Mach 1 badge. Overall, the front fascia of the Mustang Mach 1 gets the most updates.
As for the sides, it is similar to the GT variant as well. However, the Mustang Mach 1 comes with Mach 1 badge on each side close to the front wheel arches. The Mustang Mach 1 is installed with a large spoiler or wing which is borrowed from the GT500.
The sides got the Mach 1 badge
The 2021 Ford Mustang is offered with numerous amounts of body color options. These include iconic silver, oxford white, twister orange, grabber yellow, shadow black, velocity blue, and race red. A fighter jet gray is offered on the appearance package of the Mach 1.
2021 Ford Mustang: Interior
Inside, the design is pretty much the same as the GT models. The Mustang Mach 1 comes with leather seats as an option with metal grey stitching. As a tribute to the original Mach 1, the shift knob comes with a white cue ball design.
No significant changes are seen in the interior
One of the most noticeable changes in the interior of the Mustang Mach 1 is the Mach 1 plate located on the dashboard in front of the passenger side. This plate also contains the vehicle’s unique chassis number which is great attention to detail for a returning variant.
>>> Related:
- This one missing feature in Ford Mustang drives us nuts
- Nissan GT-R vs Ford Mustang: Godzilla vs The FAHVO
2021 Ford Mustang: Engine and performance
The biggest surprise for the Ford Mustang is the departure of the GT350 variant, which had a run from 2015 to 2020. It comes with a 5.2-liter V8 engine capable of making 526 and 582 Nm of torque. Well at least, the 6-speed manual transmission from the GT350 is handed over to the returning Mach 1.
As well as for the rear end of the Mustang Mach 1
The Mach 1 uses a 5.0-liter V8 engine that is capable of generating 480 hp and 569 Nm of torque. For those who don’t want to drive a stick, the Mach 1 is also offered with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Since Ford wants to make the Mustang Mach 1 an exceptional track vehicle, it retuned the dampers, increased the size of the anti-roll bars, improved the front springs, and enhanced the electric power assistant steering.
2021 Ford Mustang: On-board tech and safety features
Just like the interior features, the on-board tech is still a carryover. This means that the Mustang Mach 1 will be running with a 12-inch instrument cluster screen and a unique splash screen for the 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
The current Ford Mustang offered in the PH market
As for safety, Ford equipped the Mustang Mach 1 improved the Ford Co-Pilot 360 driver-assist technology by adding an auto high beam function, lane keep assist, rain-sensing wipers, and a pre-collision assist system.
>>> Related: Future 2021 Ford vehicles can be driven hands-free
2021 Ford Mustang: Final thoughts
If Ford Philippines will not add the returning Mustang Mach 1 in its local lineup, then we are still expecting the same EcoBoost and GT variants. Both variants will not come with significant changes and are largely carryovers. As said earlier, Ford Philippines hasn’t released any statements so we would have to wait for further announcements.
The 2021 Mustang Mach 1 is the most track-ready vehicle produced by Ford
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 will arrive in the U.S. and Canada in the spring of 2021 (sometime between March and June) and is sold as a limited-edition vehicle. This could reduce the chances of the Mustang Mach 1 to be introduced here in the local market. Nonetheless, we would love to see the returning track-ready Mach 1 driven on Philippine roads.
>>> Related: This is an all-electric Mustang that burns rubber and packs 1,400 hp
2021 Ford Mustang: Expected price
As for the EcoBoost and GT variants, we can expect that there are no significant changes for the 2021 model. The Mustang EcoBoost 2.3 Premium AT is currently offered at Php 2,858,000, while the Mustang GT 5.0 comes with a price that ranges from around Php 3,538,000 to Php 3,718,000, depending on the chosen options.
If somehow the returning Mustang Mach 1 made its way into the local market, then we can expect it to be priced for around the Php 4.5-million mark as the Mustang Mach 1 is priced almost as twice as the Mustang GT variant in the U.S. market.
>>> If you adore the Mustang and want a more budget-friendly vehicle, here we have a selection of used Ford Mustang 2016 for sale.
Here at Philkotse.com, we value your interest in the automotive industry. Visit our website to find out more.