2021 Mustang Mach 1 Specs and Information
Last Updated June 13, 2023 | C.J. TragakisThe 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 fills the gap between the GT and GT500. It adds a little more style, performance, and exclusivity over a regular Mustang GT. As a replacement for the departing Mustang Bullitt, the Mach 1 also serves as a relatively affordable special trim, starting at $53,400.
Check out our in-depth driving review below. Bill gives you the full rundown of all the special parts and features, as well as a sneak peak at how this special pony handles on the road.
2021 Mach 1 Performance Specs
The new Mach 1 borrows parts from the GT350 and GT500 that make it a truly performance-focused pony. There’s also an optional Handling Package for manual Mach 1s.
Mach 1 Horsepower
The Mach 1 features the same naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine as the outgoing Bullitt. That means their power levels are identical at 480 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. However, the Mach 1 is more track-ready due to borrowed parts from the Shelby GT350 and GT500. Director of Ford Icons, Dave Pericak, called it "the most track-capable 5.0-liter Mustang ever."
The inclusion of the rear axle cooling system from the GT500, brake-cooling ramps (a first for the Mustang), and two side heat exchangers make the Mach 1 even more appealing than the GT's Performance Package 2.
2021 Mach 1 Transmission
The standard transmission is a six-speed manual. It’s worth noting that the transmission is also from the GT350: The Tremec 3160 6-speed. Reception for this decision has been positive considering the negative press over Ford's recent Getrag MT-82 lawsuit.
The 10-speed automatic transmission is also an option. It comes with an upgraded torque converter and unique calibration.
Appearance and Style
The Mach 1 has a unique front end and new 19-inch Tarnished Dark-painted aluminum wheels. There are rally light-style circles on the grille, evoking the “fog light delete” look of the 2012-2013 Boss 302. The appearance package features a satin black hood and side stripes with a reflective accent stripe in red, white, or orange. Fighter Jet Gray is a signature paint color, and it's available only with the Mach 1 Appearance Package.
The Handling Package also adds a unique high-downforce front splitter, new front wheel lip moldings, and a low-gloss Magnetic spoiler with Gurney flap (borrowed from the GT500).
Available Colors
Aside from the exclusive Fighter Jet Gray, most paint colors for the Mach 1 are the same as the regular 2021 Mustang colors.
| Color | Code | Sample | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fighter Jet Gray | NE | Mach 1 Appearance Package Exclusive | |
| Twister Orange | CA | ||
| Grabber Yellow | CB | New Color | |
| Velocity Blue | E7 | ||
| Shadow Black | G1 | ||
| Iconic Silver Metallic | JS | ||
| Race Red | PQ | ||
| Oxford White | YZ |
Interior Styling
Inside, there are optional unique leather sport seats with an accent stripe. Other visual elements include a Dark Spindrift instrument panel with aluminum accents and an engraved badge with the unique chassis number. There’s also the white cue ball shifter from the Bullitt, another fan favorite.
Mustang Mach 1 Heritage
The previous generation Mach 1 Mustangs have been popular with die-hards since debuting in 1969. The last Mach 1 Ford produced was the 2003-2004 SN95 Mach 1. It offered a power bump over the GT, though not up to the level of the Cobra. The 2021 Mach 1 has pretty much followed suit, serving as a solid upgrade over the GT, but not quite at the same level as the GT350/GT350R or GT500.
The Mach name is now also being shared with the Mustang Mach-E. Since the Mach-E is a four-door electric crossover, this has sparked some backlash from enthusiasts. It may have played a role in Ford releasing the Mach 1 and retiring the Bullitt this year.
With the S650 generation rumored to release in the 2023 model year, the Mach 1 should keep Mustang fans excited and interested until then.
How Has the Mach 1 Been Received So Far?
Since its release in Spring 2021, response to the new Mach 1 has been very positive. Mustang enthusiasts see the Mach 1 as the best of all worlds, a dailyable car that’s also at home on the track. It combines the beloved Coyote 5.0 engine with the heavily-favored Tremec 6-speed. It may be the perfect happy medium between the Mustang GT and GT500.
If there’s a downside, it’s that power numbers are no higher than the outgoing Bullitt. But the emphasis on handling and track performance still makes this a great upgrade from the GT Mustang.
Mach 1 Spyshots and Rumors
If you're like us, you enjoy looking back at some of the spyshots and rumors that leaked before the final vehicle was unveiled. We've put together a slideshow below of some of our favorites.
As far as rumors that didn't come to pass, we were dissapointed (like most) that the Mach 1 didn't end up with the rumored 525 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Other than that, it seems we got pretty much everything we asked for out of this year's Mach 1.
Sources: Ford | AutoBlog
