Ford Mustang Mach 1 review

Much like the GT350 and 350R, there are two very distinct versions of the Mach 1 in the US. Fitted with the optional Track Pack it clings, grips and goes in a very satisfyingly Mustang way. The steering is still light on sensations and feel and the rear end is loose enough that you are constantly aware of its thirst for oversteer. But you can still make rapid progress around a track.

And rapid stopping, too. One of the Mach 1’s most impressive feats is its finely tuned chassis and braking systems. You can get super deep into a corner on the brakes with the ABS in full panic yet still accurately place the car on your chosen line. Not bad for any car, never mind a muscle car like this.

Should I go for a manual or an auto?

The choice of gearbox is an interesting one. The rev-matched Tremec manual adds a whole new level of fun to the experience – especially the flat-shift option which allows you to keep the throttle buried while swapping gears. But the ten-speed auto 'box is a good unit and will inevitably allow you to go faster. Not least because you can focus your attention on keeping the car in line instead of swapping cogs. Be warned that with all those gears available it can get a little confused on the kickdown, though, and it’s no Porsche PDK for smoothness (particularly when you shove the Mach 1 into Sport+ mode).

What about the car we can buy in the UK?

Without the Track Pack - as all UK cars are - the Mach 1 feels like a different animal. The 5.0-litre V8 engine still spins up freely and happily smacks into the redline while allowing for a decent (but not mind-blowing) 4.8-second 0-62mph time, but there’s less steering feel and an almost alarmingly lower amount of grip at the rear.

First thought is it’s just the 4S tyres taking some time to warm up, but no. Even after 50 miles of spirited driving, there’s still much lower precision on the turn in and a growing caution about applying too much throttle on the exit unless the steering wheel is dead straight. It’s almost more of a traditional muscle car. 

It’s still much sharper than the standard GT, though, and you can weight up the steering nicely by putting it into its own ‘sport’ mode. Just don’t expect it to give you anywhere near as much feedback as a similarly-priced Alpine A110 or Porsche Cayman. Those MagneRide dampers do make a big difference though, keeping things exceptionally comfy even on rough roads and then tightening up the suspension in Sport+ mode. 

But those cars don’t have V8s?

This is a very, very valid point. For sheer aural drama nothing beats a muscle car. And despite all modern regulations the Mach 1 is LOUD. There is a quiet mode to the special performance exhaust so that your neighbours don’t feel the need to murder you every morning, but as soon as you’re out of town it’s worth opening up the taps with a few clicks on the steering-wheel mounted buttons.