Publications
• The all-new Ford Mustang Mach 1 has officially debuted in South Africa.
• The car is powered by a naturally aspirated 338kW V8 engine.
• 90 units were allocated for the local market, of which all have been sold.
• For more motoring stories, go to Wheels24
The most track-focused Mustang has officially been launched in South Africa. Only 90 Ford Mustang Mach 1 units have been brought to our market, and each one is accounted for. The first Mustang Mach 1 debuted back in 1969, but the latest iteration is rated as a sought-after car that pays tribute to the original icon.
The Mustang Mach 1 is powered by Ford's familiar 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine, but has been specially calibrated to deliver 338kW and 529Nm. A choice of a six-speed manual or ten-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. Ford says that "the Mach 1 ensures even greater thrills, combined with unique transmission specifications, bespoke aerodynamics and new performance component cooling systems for greater agility, and consistent on-track performance."
Doreen Mashinini, general manager for marketing at Ford South Africa, says: "There's a reason Mustang is the world's best-selling sports car, but the Mach 1 elevates Mustang to another level in the hearts of performance car fans. Road or track, this is the most capable Mustang yet, and is more than worthy of carrying the legendary Mach 1 badge. A true Mustang Mach 1 needs to look fast, even standing still. The functional aerodynamics and exclusive race-inspired features of the Mach 1 will leave performance car fans in no doubt that this Mustang means business - even before it hits the track."
Engine explained
According to Ford SA, the Mustang Mach 1's engine has been specially tuned for a "reward-to-rev" character that makes the Mustang driving experience more satisfying than ever. The V8 engine combines a high-performance Open Air Induction System, intake manifold and 87mm throttle bodies with low-pressure port fuel injection and high-pressure direct fuel injection for 338kW of power at 7 250r/min and 529Nm of torque at 4 900r/min.
Offered for the first time on a production Mustang, the TREMEC six-speed manual gearbox is derived from the Shelby GT350. It features a twin-disc clutch and short-throw shifter, while aggressive upshifts and downshifts are made smoother, more precise and easier to perform with rev-matching technology and flat-shift capability. Also available is Ford's ten-speed automatic gearbox, featuring an upgraded torque converter and unique calibration.
READ: Confirmed - Ford to sell special edition Mustang Mach 1 in SA, but numbers will be limited
Both transmissions benefit from a dedicated oil cooler, rear axle cooling system and limited-slip differential. The ten-speed automatic also features a second air-to-oil cooler - increasing cooling capacity by a further 75%.
All Mustang models come standard with Ford Protect, comprising a 4-year or120 000km comprehensive warranty, 3-year or unlimited distance roadside assistance and 5-year or unlimited km corrosion warranty. A 6-year or 90 000km service plan is included, with 15 000km service intervals.
