Official: Ford Mustang Mach 1 Will Be Sold Globally

Oct. 11, 2020 10:10 AM ET byJay Traugott Muscle Cars /2 Comments

Unlike the Shelby GT350.

The new for2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1will no doubt quickly become a highly desirable high-powered muscle car with serious track capabilities the moment it goes on sale. Unfortunately, Ford has still not released official details such as pricing and production numbers, but this information should arrive fairly soon. But unlike the Mustang Shelby GT350, which has beenofficially discontinued, the Mach 1 will be available not only to North American customers but also to muscle car fans worldwide.

Muscle Cars and Trucks was told by Head of Mustang Marketing Jim Owens the Mach 1 will not be forbidden fruit outside of America's borders. "Mach 1 is going to be global where GT350 was not," said Owens. "Global demand for the Mustang is huge."

We already knew global Mustang demand continues to be significant, so why wasn't the GT350 sold globally? The answer is very simple: emissions.

The GT350's 5.2-literVoodoo V8did not pass the EU's strict emissions testing. It's thesame situation为Shelby GT500 and its supercharged 760 horsepower 5.2-liter V8. What makes the Mach 1 different? Its engine, obviously. The Mach 1 is powered by the Mustang GT's 5.0-liter naturally aspirated Coyote V8, now producing 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Normally, this engine is good for a still-impressive 460 hp and 420 lb-ft and has already been certified for sale in Europe.

Perhaps that's one reason why Ford opted to drop this engine in the Mach 1 instead of an updated 5.2-liter V8. Aside from the GT350, the Mach 1 also serves as sort of a successor to the just-discontinued Mustang Bullitt. It too has the 5.0-liter V8 and was sold overseas.

The Mach 1's upcoming overseas arrival is a smart move on Ford's part because although customers there have never been able to get the Shelbys, their situation isn't really changing. The Bullitt is out and the Mach 1 is in, and the Mustang EcoBoost and GT coupe and convertible also remain. European customers still clamoring for a Shelby should be comforted by the fact the Mach 1 will be available with the GT350's rev-matching Tremec six-speed manual. A 10-speed automatic is optional.

Other Shelby-derived components include the intake manifold, engine oil cooler, oil filter adapter, rear-axle coolers, and even the 4.5-inch exhaust from the GT500. European sales should get underway early next year.