Pros :
- Screaming 300+ hp V8.
- Functional hood scoop.
- Limited numbers guarantees exclusivity.
- Great value for money.
- Luxurious interior features such a built-in CD changer.
Cons :
- Visual differences too subtle.
- Funky-looking wheels.
- Limited numbers.
- Chassis dates back to the 70s.
- "Shaker" hood scoop is functional, but unnecessary gimmick.
Press Coverage :
The 2003 Mustang Mach 1 is expected to deliver more than 300 horsepower from its modular 4.6 litre, 4-valve, DOHC V8 engine when it goes on sale at the end of this year. Mach 1 styling cues include the shaker hood scoop, revised versions of the original "Magnum 500" chrome wheels, and "comfort-weave" leather seats.
Of the approximately 160,000 Mustangs that Ford builds each year, just 7500 will be Mustang Mach 1 special editions. They'll be built on the same line of the Dearborn Assembly Plant that produces the V6, GT and Cobra Mustangs. Each Mach 1 will come with a unique serialization found in the vehicle identification number (VIN) to enhance collectibility.
The original Mach 1 was introduced in 1968 as a concept car with a fastback bodystyle, aggressive hood and side scoops and a unique paint scheme. In 1969, the Mach 1 was one of three new Mustang models that made it into production. It featured the familiar fastback body with simulated side scoops high on the quarter panel, an aggressively raked air dam on the front and a spoiler on the rear, "comfort-weave" leather seats and the now famous, "shaker hood scoop" mounted directly onto the carburetor and fitting through an opening in the hood.
The Mach 1 was designed in Ford's Living Legends Studio in Dearborn, Michigan, where all other Mustangs, plus the Thunderbird and the GT40, are designed. Perhaps the most visually arresting and totally unique design cue on the Mach 1 is the "shaker scoop." In keeping with performance Mustang heritage, the scoop is not only appearance enhancing, but functional. The "ram air" scoop, fitted through an opening in the hood, channels fresh air directly to the intake runners increasing the breathing and optimizing intake turbulence for improved power and torque.
The scoop operates on similar principals to that of its forebear, but because the 1969 Mach 1 was a carbureted engine, it was a much simpler task to mount the scoop atop the carburetor in place of a traditional air cleaner. The "shaker scoop" on the 2003 Mach 1 is mounted atop the intake manifold and directs air through a secondary filter box to the intake. The intake also pulls cool air from the front grille to ensure free breathing. The scoop and the centre powerdome hood are finished in low-gloss black. The C-pillars feature a unique trim appliqué that gives the roofline a subtle throwback appearance and distinguishes the car further from a GT. To enhance the low-to-the-ground appearance, the car features more prominent rocker-panel mouldings and another classic Mach 1 trait, an air dam extension, painted low-gloss black. A low-gloss black stripe runs the length of the side just above the rocker mouldings. The Mach 1 will be available in Oxford White, Black, Torch Red, Zinc Yellow, Azure Blue and Dark Shadow Gray clearcoat finish.
Mach 1 comes standard with the Mach 460 six-disc in-dash CD changer audio system.
The powerplant that shakes the scoop is a MOD 4.6 litre, 4-valve, dual-overhead-cam V8. The engine makes use of specially calibrated cams, a modified upper intake to accommodate the ram-air system, a heated PCV, a forged crank (cast crank in automatic transmission application) and performance exhaust manifolds combining to produce an expected output in excess of 300 horsepower. The 2003 Mach 1 will be available with a choice of a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission with electronic overdrive. The 4R70W automatic transmission is upgraded with a heavy-duty gear-set, auxiliary fluid cooler and brazed 11.25-inch torque converter to withstand the added power of the Mach 1's MOD 4.6 V8. As well, the Mach 1 uses a new rear axle with a high-torque differential and a 3.55:1 axle ratio. The Mach 1 is lowered half an inch compared to the GT and uses a firmer suspension for better-balanced ride and improved handling characteristics. The performance-handling package includes: new front and rear coil springs with adapted load and rate; re-valved Tokico struts in front and shocks in rear; unique stabilizer bars front and rear; added frame rail connectors to stiffen the body. Thirteen-inch Brembo front rotors and performance calipres provide excellent stopping capability. The calipres have a black-anodized finish and are visible through 17-inch Magnum 500 wheel spokes when the car is parked, or when it is cruising the streets. The Mach 1 comes standard with ABS and traction control.
Canadiandriver.com
History:
2001-2002 Ford Mustang Bullitt GT
4,605 cc / 265 hp / 305 lb-ft / 3254 lbs / 0-60 mph 5.7 sec.
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