Test: Mustang Mach 1

When it comes to cars, speed isn't the only source of pleasure. The design, color, materials, sound of the engine or the commitment required of the driver to benefit from all the qualities of a sports coupe are other sources of satisfaction. Ford brings it all together in this special Mach 1 series of the Mustang, which is limited in time (two years of production), but not in number. Each copy will however be numbered.

This Mach 1 surname has always been used by Ford to offer a Mustang GT with a more powerful V8, first with a competition suspension and advanced aerodynamics. The first generation, presented in August 1968 (1969 model), holds 295 speed and endurance records, all achieved on the Bonneville salt lake (Utah in the United States). With it, racing teams have also won the SCCA championship (rally) in 1969 and 1970, which contributed to the commercial success of the model. Since its launch in 1971, Ford has already sold 300 Mach 000 Mustangs. But almost none on our side of the Atlantic! With this latest version, this will no longer be the case.

Traditions are good for the Mustang, sort of Porsche 911 from Ford

Generally speaking, the 2021 Mustang is already the result of many developments of the GT version imported into Europe for six years. The automatic transmission has evolved (from 6 to 10 gears), the aluminum V8 not so much, but it is available here in a 460 hp version (as on the Bullit) compared to 450 hp for the “normal” GT (and 421 hp before the restyling of 2018). The 1 Mach 2021 also benefits from a 5mm enlarged air intake and revised oil cooling for intensive use sessions. The chassis settings, and the progress made on the controlled suspensions, have made it possible to make it more rigorous on attack, while keeping it soft on a daily basis (all things considered). Last mechanical specificity: it is also available with a six-speed manual gearbox (subject of our test) borrowed from the Shelby GT 350, which is not imported to our side of the Atlantic. On the outside, the general style changes little, but the Mach 1 still receives a lower spoiler and a diffuser from the Shelby GT500, which allow it to have 22% more aerodynamic downforce. Last but not least, the two locations of the additional headlights of the old versions, inevitably left empty here, dig into the ends of the grille.

From the road to the circuit

To familiarize yourself with the machine, nothing better than a few dozen kilometers in the open countryside, in the early morning. Pressing the Start button will allow even the most sleepy driver to wake up quickly. The rumblings of the naturally aspirated V8 make this Mustang unique in today's automotive landscape. The different modes can release the exhaust even more and increase the dose of adrenaline. The first accelerations are quite surprising. The enlargement of the air box has the effect of slightly muzzling the engine at low revs, but also of giving it more breath when increasing in revs. Nothing alarming, however those who know the full character of this American bloc will note the difference.

One of the first qualities of this Mustang is its relationship between efficiency and comfort. The suspension filtration is really well studied, which allows you to adopt a good pace on winding and bumpy roads while preserving a certain softness. However, make no mistake, we are indeed aboard a sports car. The gearbox control is pleasant, but if its travel is short, the gears are a little long. On the road, sixth gear is really used to “cruise” on a trickle of gas. When driving quickly, the control also requires you to break down the movements a little more, i.e. to practice double declutching. In theory, there is no need since the car is equipped with a “Rev matching” system which simulates a heel-toe shift with each downshift, and which will do the job very well for you in 95% of cases. But it is sometimes a little slow and it is possible to disconnect it.

Manual gearbox with “Rev matching” system for purists

On the short and winding circuit of La Ferté-Gaucher (77), the Mach 1 continues to showcase its muscular character and the quality of its chassis. Throttle stops never result in sneaky cash movements. Furthermore, even if she knows how to be demonic, she nevertheless remains considerate. Be careful not to provoke it too much though, because all the power and torque arrive on the rear axle and certain driving modes are quite permissive. But the whole is healthy, well maintained, and it is one of the main dynamic progress observed on this Mach 1, which aims to be more rigorous and sporty than the base GT (for 12 euros more). Furthermore, although more violent in the second part of the rev counter (and up to 500 rpm), it tames quite quickly. The brakes are very reassuring, durable and help with placement. The front end is sometimes a little lazy and the weight is inevitably felt, but the Mach 7500 is indeed the most efficient Mustang ever offered in Europe. During our laps, the first elements that began to show signs of heating were the tires, after already 1 minutes of intensive use, even torture, on this small circuit where the forces follow one another in a rather violent manner. lateral and longitudinal. Here too, the results are ultimately good.

VERDICT

Too bad it is handicapped by a disproportionate penalty (€30), because this Mustang is worth the detour in more than one way. Fast, pleasant to drive and quite exclusive, it could be a future collector's item. This is the most interesting version of this authentic American sports car, apart from the GT000 and GT350 which are not officially imported to our side of the Atlantic.