Ford prices Mustang Mach 1 from $83,365

FORD Australia has announced the pricing for its new special-edition Mustang Mach 1 sportscar, with the limited-run throwback model set to touch down here next year priced from $83,365 plus on-road costs.

The new model is limited to just 700 units Down Under, and will slot in above the automatic Mustang GT Convertible ($75,025) but beneath the supercharged R-Spec ($99,616), the former of which was limited to 500 units when it arrived around 12 months ago.

Touted by Ford as being the best-handling factory-produced Mustang to be brought to Australia, the Mach 1 pays tribute to the 1969 original, which itself was built to commemorate US pilot Chuck Yeager breaking the sound barrier for the first time. 

The Mach 1 has raided the Shelby GT350 and GT500 parts bin to create a more capable version of the Mustang, starting with the 5.0-litre V8 engine which has been given a tickle to now produce 345kW (+6kW) and an unchanged 556Nm.

Borrowed from the Shelby GT350 are an open-air induction system, intake manifold and 87mm throttle bodies which help increase air flow to the engine as well as an auxiliary engine oil-cooler which ensures optimum oil flow.

A 4.5-inch active valve performance exhaust has also been fitted to up the aural stakes.

The Mach 1 is available with either a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission, the former of which is a special Tremec unit featuring a short-throw shift action, specially designed to manage aggressive gear changes.

A limited-slip differential comes as standard, while an additional rear-axle cooling system makes the Mach 1 better suited to heavy track use.

Ford has fitted a number of exterior enhancements to the Mach 1 that not only increase the visual appeal but also help the new variant generate 22 per cent more downforce than the Mustang GT.

The rear diffuser is borrowed from the Shelby GT500, while the front splitter and rear spoiler help the car hug the tarmac.

Braking response is improved through the fitment of a higher-spec brake booster, while the 19-inch alloys are 0.5 inches wider than the GT to provide extra grip.

Five body colours are available – Fighter Jet Grey, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Velocity Blue and Twister Orange – all of which come with contrasting Mach 1 decals. Prestige paints cost $650.

Fighter Jet Grey can also be paired with a $1000 Appearance Pack, which includes orange accent seatback trim and brake callipers, and orange/satin black hood and side stripes.

The interior is finished in an Ebony colour scheme, with aluminium detailing and Metal Grey contrast stitching for the seats.

Recaro leather sports seats are available as an option, asking $3000.

Other standard kit includes the Sync3 infotainment system, 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-speaker B&O sound system and FordPass Connect embedded modem.

To the end of September, Ford has sold 2174 examples of the Mustang, making it the brand’s third-best seller behind the Ranger pick-up and Everest large SUV.