Ford South Africa has just introduce the latest Mustang Mach 1 into the local market. Like the original, new Ford Mustang Mach 1 bridges the gap between 5,0-litre Mustang GT and high-performance Shelby models. Just 90 units are available for Blue Oval fans in SA.

Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content.

Order from our online store and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349

More muscle

The new-generation Ford Mustang Mach 1 is, according to Ford, the most track-capable 5,0-litre Mustang ever. Starting point for the package is a new tune for the V8 engine. The naturally aspirated unit boasts 338 kW of power at 7 250 r/min and 529 N.m of torque at 4 900 r/min.

Click here to check out a 1 000 kW Mustang Dragster.

Many parts have been taken from the Shelby catalogue to help it cope with the rigours of track duty. These include the intake manifold, oil filter adapter and engine oil cooler that increases engine oil cooling capability by 50 percent. Mach 1 comes standard with a Tremec six-speed manual transmission from the Shelby GT350 with a short-throw shifter. Those who prefer not to row a manual transmission can opt for a ten-speed automatic. Mach 1 derivatives sport unique tuning for their adaptive dampers, stiffer front springs and anti-roll bars as well as six-piston Brembo calipers.

Ford says the manual version can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4,4 seconds and the automatic takes a further 0,4 to reach the same benchmark. Top speed is rated as 267 km/h for the six-speeder and 249 for the 10-speed version. Those performance stats place the latest Pony car in the same company as the quickest hot hatches on offer today.

New appearance

Cars destined for SA are all painted in metallic Fighter Jet Grey and feature contrasting satin black/reflective orange stripes. To further differentiate the track-focussed version it has several styling cues that link it back to the original. It has a mesh, shark-nosed section and faux foglamp elements mimicking the original. There are new side grilles below each turn signal lamp. A low-gloss pony badge is centred on the grille. Low-gloss magnetic and black accents are used throughout the vehicle. There is also a boot-mounted spoiler. New 19-inch five-spoke dark-painted aluminium wheels are standard. They are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.

Read more about the most expensive Mustang ever sold at this link.

Pricing

Mustang Mach 1 5,0 V8 manual R1 182 100

Mustang Mach 1 5,0 V8 automatic R1 203 800