Fastest Ford Mustangs Part 3 : 2003 Mustang Mach 1

Apparently, the Ford development team is not loosening any rate, despite the fact that his has literally flown Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird beyond the muscle car market. Hot on the heels of the 2001 Mustang Bullitt limited production Mustang GT is special this year, the Mach 1. Complete with a "shaker" functional hood scoop rams that pays tribute to the 1969 Mustang Mach 1 and 428-cu.- in. Cobra Jet V-8.

2003 Mach 1 cubic inch offset multi-valve technology. Use the 2001 SVT Mustang Cobra 32-valve, 281-cu.-in. (4.6-liter) V-8. But if you look at Mach numbers 1-305 hp at 5,800 rpm and 320 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm - which is bound to make a big "what?" For the number of horsepower is down from the 320 Cobra.

The reason is that Ford changed several parts of the engine to give the Mach 1 better torque at low engine speeds, in the sacrifice of maximum horsepower. The biggest change is that the cylinder heads high flow, which were equipped with intake cam from Ford 5.4-liter V-8. Different exhaust cams have also been added along with a new set of manifolds matched to the cylinder heads.

So while the number of horsepower may not look as good as the Cobra, the Mach 1 has won 3 lb-ft of torque that peaks at a much lower 4000 rpm compared to 4750 for the Cobra 2001. In other words, Ford has only improved their chances in the highly coveted light drag wars.

In terms of exterior design details are going, any resemblance to the 1969 Mach 1 is purely intentional. Black level is the color of choice for the chapel side air inlet shaker, takes extended front air dam, side stripes and rear spoiler. There are also new 5-spoke "Heritage" 17-in. wheels shod with Goodyear Eagles, size 245 / 45ZR-17.

Interior changes include seating "ComfortWeave" black leather (similar to the 1969 car) and a ball of aluminum shifter to work the 5-speed manual transmission (4-speed automatic is optional).

The Mach 1 is more than a luxury GT appearance with the Cobra engine stuffed into it. The suspension has been worked on with stiffer springs and Tokico shocks, and the ride height is reduced by half inches. Although no independent rear suspension uses the Cobra, the changes improve the management of Mach 1 without giving too harsh ride. And you can take the Mach 1 deeper into the corners than a normal GT, as it uses the same Brembo as current Cobra, with the only difference being a little less aggressive pads.

Ford invited journalists to drive the new Mach 1, with the supercharged SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT Focus, on a road course and autocross. What we found was that the Mach 1 exhibits better manage more than one GT without the need to end the engine to the red line to get the most out of it, as with the previous Cobra. Also, we found it easy to make and powerslides burnout launches out of the slow corners.

Most journalists (myself included) got their best autocross times with the Mach 1, not the high-powered Cobra SVT Focus or small. Attribute this to the lighter feel, more agile on the Mach 1 Cobra and the extra power over the Focus. It was a different story in the circuit while the enormous power and feeling tied down Cobra gave a clear advantage.

But with a starting price of $ 28.995, the Mach 1 it is considerably cheaper than a Cobra. Also it sounds better, as some editors found the supercharger buzz to be less than pleasant. The Mach 1, however, sings its melody V-8 with all his strength, and yes, when you blip the throttle, air intake really shake.

If you want a Mach 1, he better get your order in; Only 6,500 will be built and they are sure to go fast. Although probably not as collectible as '69, the 2003 edition is fun and safe to drive.