[Update: Ford contacted us to correct the story – when talking to Ford Authority, their spokesperson mistakenly said GT500 instead of GT350, which was the model he meant the Mach 1 to be compared with.] 

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 has big shoes to fill, as it has effectively replaced the Shelby GT350, GT350R, Bullitt, and the Mustang Performance Pack Level 2 (PPL2). Ford appears confident it can do the job.

Unlike the GT350 models that featured a bespoke 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V8, the Mustang Mach 1 is powered by a modified version of Ford’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that’s been tuned to produce 480 hp and 420 lb-ft (569 Nm). As promising as this engine is, it is in the car’s handling where Ford has done most of its work, so much so that the Mach 1 will apparently be able to compete with the outgoing Shelby GT350 around short circuits.

“Mach 1 has always fit in between GT and whatever the performance derivative was at the time,” Mustang brand manager Jim Owens recently told Ford Authority. “Now, the Mach 1 is positioned between the GT and GT500, but it drives much closer to the GT500 from a handling standpoint. It’s above the PPL2… like, an entire step above it. We’re not going to offer PPL 2 because of it.”

Read Also: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Is Back, Combines 480 HP V8 With Shelby GT350 Goodies

“In the Mach 1, we’ve incorporated all of PPL2, plus the MagneRide, plus Pilot Sport Cup 2s, plus the calibration, and it’s just unbelievable,” Owens added. “On a short road course, the Mach 1 will be very, very close to the GT500. Now, once you get to the longer stuff, that’s different – you have the supercharged 5.2L that will gain an advantage. But on a short course, within spitting distance of the GT500.”

Another key highlight of the Mach 1 is the fact that it has the same six-speed Tremec 3160 manual transmission as the Shelby GT350. Customers can also opt for a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with an upgraded torque converter and bespoke calibration.

A plethora of visual changes also differentiates the Mach 1 from other variants. The front end has a bespoke grille with faux circular lamp elements, a pronounced splitter, and new air intakes. The muscle car also features 19-inch Tarnished Dark-painted aluminum wheels with a five-spoke design.

Prices for the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 in the United States start at $52,915 including destination and delivery fees.