12/16/2023 0 Comments Grabber blue mach 1![]() ![]() It might not have the high-revving Voodoo V8, but it has some of the best bits of Mustang models over the last few years. But what if we told you that it's both? Or that it does the job better than either? There are two ways of looking at the Mach 1 - it's either a sad replacement for the GT350 or an improved version of the Bullitt. We wouldn't attempt to accelerate away from traffic lights when they're still cold, however, unless you want to look like a cliche Cars And Coffee idiot on the internet. Both tire options grip nicely once you get some heat into them. Speaking of on-road handling, it's worth remembering that the Mach 1 comes as standard with summer tires, while the Handling Package upgrades to even more track-biased rubber. ![]() The adaptive damping's comfort setting is acceptable, but you buy a car like this knowing that compromises need to be made. Adding the Performance Pack will reduce lap times, and it doesn't compromise the on-road performance too much. The Handling Package takes the Mach 1 to the next level, adding adjustable strut top mounts, a larger rear spoiler with a gurney flap, a more aggressive front splitter, and sticky, high-performance 305/30R19 front and 315/30R19 rear Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. Finally, the uprated Brembo brakes let you wail on the Mach 1 for several laps at a time without fading. The turn-in is razor-sharp and grippy in much the same way the GT350 was. This works particularly well with the stiffer, heavy-duty front springs. Thanks to the revised bumper and fixed rear wing, the standard Mach 1 has 22% more downforce than the standard GT with the Performance Pack 1, and this figure increases to 150% with the optional handling package. The MagneRide dampers automatically adjust 1,000 times per second, giving the Mach 1 a neutral, non-intimidating feel. The parts that make a real difference to the Mach 1's persona are the MagneRide dampers, heavy-duty front springs, the trick aerodynamic additions, and six-piston Brembo brake calipers. In Normal and Snow/Wet modes, it dials back the throttle response, while the Track and Drag Strip settings make this car alert and hyperactive as a toddler on a diet of Pepsi and Reese's Pieces. The available driving modes are Normal, Snow/Wet, Sport, Track, or Drag Strip. ![]() The latter allows you to toggle between Comfort, Normal, and Sport, essentially adding artificial weight to the steering. It comes with an electronic line-lock, launch control, selectable driving modes, and selectable power steering. The standard Mach 1 already has a lot to boast about. The Mach might be back, but it's going to have to be better than ever to shine in such company.ĭespite being a track-focused driver's tool, you can have a Mach 1 that strikes a nice balance between on-road and track handling, or you can lean into its track spirations by adding the optional Mach 1 Handling Package. The Chevrolet Camaro doesn't have a trim that directly rivals this, which means if you're looking for an alternative, Germany can counter with the BMW M2, or you can look closer to home at the more powerful Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack. ![]() Retailing at $54,000, it's around $5,000 cheaper than the now-defunct GT350. It's a Franken-Stang of sorts that pulls parts from both of these, sending the power from its 5.0-liter V8 to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission from Tremec or an optional ten-speed auto. The Mach 1 badge has been dormant since 2004, but it made a spectacular return for 2021 in the form of a 480-horsepower track-oriented 'Stang that effectively replaced both the limited-edition Mustang Bullitt and the GT350. The GT350, you ask? Well, that's no longer in production. The standard GT is more cruiser than bruiser and the Shelby GT500 retails for over $77,000. While it may not seem like there is a gap to fill, there is a case to be made for a more hardcore non-Shelby Mustang in the USA. The latest Ford Mustang Mach 1 is built for the same reason the 1969 original was constructed: to fill a gap. ![]()
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