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2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Gets Subtle Styling Changes Ahead Of Launch

The very first examples of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 have already left the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant and are on their way to customers, but those examples will look slightly different than the ones we’ve previously seen. This is because designers made a few subtle tweaks to the Mach 1’s styling in an effort to ensure the returning legend is just right for consumers.

“With any program, you want everything to be perfect, but when you’re bringing back a classic like Mach 1, it is imperative,” said Ford senior advanced designer Anthony Colard. “This team just kept pushing and pushing for perfection.”

These styling changes aren’t anything earth-shaking, of course, but they are noticeable if you compare them side-by-side with the original photos of the car. First, designers took the previously all-black Mach 1 badges and gave them a silver border to help them better stand out against darker-colored exterior paint.

Next, Ford changed the lower front grille from Magnetic Gray to low-gloss black to make the front end “even more menacing,” according to Colard. Finally, the fender striping was tweaked at the front edge to improve both quality and production processing.

Will most people even notice these subtle changes? Probably not, but as Ford points out, in the world of the Ford Mustang, every little nuance serves a purpose. The team wanted to ensure that the reborn Mach 1 was absolutely perfect and worthy of living up to its predecessors, and it’s clearly pleased with the finished product.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is powered by a modified version of Ford’s 5.0L Coyote V8, which produces 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Transmission options consist of Tremec’s 3160 6-speed manual and Ford’s 10-speed automatic gearbox, the latter of which will be available in conjunction with the Handling Package.

Underneath, the Mach 1 features the latest MagneRide calibration, a stiffer steering I-shaft, new EPAS calibration, stiffer sway bars and front springs, a brake booster from the Mustang GT Performance Pack 2, a rear subframe with stiffer bushings, and a rear toe-link from the Shelby GT500.

The base Mach 1 rides on new 19-inch x 9.5-inch and 19-inch x 10-inch five-spoke Tarnished Dark-painted aluminum wheels, while the Handling Package comes with 19-inch x 10.5-inch front, and 19-inch x 11-inch rear Tarnished Dark-painted aluminum wheels. Both models also feature a host of additional aero bits that increase downforce to aid impressive track performance.

The 2021 Mustang Mach 1 will start out at $52,915, including destination and delivery, while the Handling Package adds another $3,500 to bring that base MSRP up to $56,415.

We’ll have more on the new Mach 1 very soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Mustang news and non-stop Ford news coverage.

Brett's lost track of all the Fords he's owned over the years and how much he's spent modifying them, but his current money pits include an S550 Mustang and 13th gen F-150.

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Comments

  1. Roy Chile’s

    Too Bad Ford didn’t add traditional SHAKER or RAM AIR HOOD that can on past models. Then it would look like a real MACH 1, cheap sticker will have to do

    Reply
  2. Ronnie

    Ford , would you please update , and fix your website ? No one can build and price a mustang . The challenger and Camaro websites are working great . It’s the second month of 2021 , and your website isn’t working correctly .

    Reply
  3. Gary.

    I agree that a shaker hood would be awesome or ram air even if it was an option. But that car looks fantastic! I know I’m bias when it comes to mustang’s but why would anyone get a challenger or camaro?

    Reply
  4. Charles Warner

    That’s the ugliest, cheapest looking excuse for a Mach-1 that I’ve ever seen. You need to go back to the drawing board guys.

    Reply
  5. Dale Brophy

    looking like fois trying to copy the latest version of the GTO debacle from Pontiac Australia…..modern American auto designers are lazy and uninspired, taking their cues from Europe and Japan. How about making a REAL MACH I with side scoops shaker unit under the hood. Ditch the Toyota front end and Europe rear end and include a rear spoiler…..I might be convinced to buy one instead of the Challenger…..just saying

    Reply
  6. Dale Brophy

    looking like Ford is trying to copy the latest version of the GTO debacle from Pontiac Australia…..modern American auto designers are lazy and inspired, taking their cues from Europe and Japan. How about making a REAL MACH I with side scoops shaker unit under the hood. Ditch the Toyota front end and Europe rear end and include a rear spoiler…..I might be convinced to buy one instead of the Challenger…..just saying

    Reply
  7. Ashley Stephens

    I like that car

    Reply
  8. dreamcar

    Is anybody answering production questions? I own a 2016 Mustang GT Premium California Special convertible and want to know how many were produced. How would I find out?

    Reply
  9. Al Jankowski

    As the original owner of a 69 Mach1, there are a few tweaks that would make this reintroduction better. Square off the rear and add an original spoiler. Add the side and hood scoops, make the blacked out hood wider, raise and reflectors the stripes, put a small point onto the nose, add hood lock pins and offer it in the original colors!

    Reply
    1. Gary.

      Yes how about Silver Jade…😀

      Reply
  10. Dwight Danna

    How can you pay $56.000 for a car of such history with only 480 Hp when the Dodge Challenger have a lot more, someone a Fomc needs to step their game up.

    Reply
  11. Robert Stevens

    A waste of time. I like old school styling way more. I’m not going to run out and buy one anytime soon. Sorry Ford please try harder to inspire some buyers.

    Reply
  12. Pancho Vanilla

    52k??? I’ll get one when somebody gives me one.

    Reply
    1. Matt Morse

      I have been a mustang fan for a long time especially Mach 1. I would agree with many of the comments. If Ford is going to do the Mach 1 they should go old school! It needs ram air, I think like the 1971 to go with the lines of the car, a real rear spoiler, recessed hood pins, and side brake scoops. They should also up the horsepower to at least 500. This would make it unique and stand out from a fully loaded GT. This is supposed to take the place of the GT 350. So for $56,000 and what you get, I would take a low mileage used GT 350 over a new Mach 1.

      Reply
  13. Don

    I am a Mustang fan (Boss body) . The car looks good, except from the side. The rounded front fender and head light area are obtuse, they clash the rear angle . I have a 2014 Saleen and a 2015 premium Gt ,which does not resemble the ford production car. But one could buy the Mach 1 and change the front end, add a rear spoiler and change the hood . Then it would look much better than fords design.

    Reply

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