Ford has gone to Italy to source its 330 mm (13.0 in) Brembo front rotors and black anodized performance calipers - 296 mm (11.7 in) Brembo rotors are at back. Anti-lock brakes and traction control are standard.
Inside the new comfort-weave leather seats offer better support than the flat-backed 'chairs' that inspired them. A Mach 1000, 10-speaker 1100-watt audio system with a 6-disc dash-mounted CD changer, sits below the air vents and HVAC controls on the center console. Its face plating is painted gray, highlighted by an aluminum shifter ball and boot ring. Aluminum graces the foot pedals as well, a nice touch. The gray plastic instrument panels retro-style gauges look fabulous too.
Ford will include 6,500 Mach 1 Mustangs in its 160,000 2003 Mustang run, with about 10% expected in Canada. It will be produced alongside V6, GT and Cobra Mustangs in the Dearborn assembly plant. To keep it exclusive and collectible, the Mach 1 will receive a distinct vehicle identification number (VIN).
And just how excited are Mustang fans? The car isn't even available yet and owners clubs are forming. Check out www.mach1registry.com/ for a look at what real car nuts do to honor their marques. And that's about as close as anyone will get to the next generation Mach 1 until it arrives this fall. If you want one I've got one piece of advice, beat the cars to the dealership as their limited volumes should sell out quickly.
Specifications:
- Price (est): $35,000
- Body Type: 2-door coupe
- Layout: Front engine, RWD
- Opt Engine (est): 320 hp, 317 lb-ft, 4.6-L, 32-valve, DOHC V8
- Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 4-spd auto)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Curb Weight (est): 1,476 kg (3,254 lbs)
- Cargo Cap: 309 L (10.9 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (est city/hwy): 12.9 / 8.5 L/100 km
- Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
- Direct Competitors: 2004 Pontiac GTO
- Web Site: www.ford.ca
