A Closer Look at the Mach 1 and the GT500 Hits the Racetrack
Does the GT500 justify its price out on the racetrack? And should the new Mach 1 have been a Boss 302 instead?
As if we needed another reason to hate 2020, it will be the last year for the wonderful GT350. On the bright side there are a couple fantastic Mustangs that are sticking around to fill the void. The brand-new Mach 1 which falls somewhere in between a GT and the GT350 is one bright spot. The other is the utterly bonkers GT500 which falls somewhere in between a GT350 and a Saturn V rocket.
YouTuber David Patterson, known as That Dude in Blue, posted a new video to his channel recently. In this video he gives us his thoughts on the new Mach 1. In addition, he gets some laps around the Charlotte Motor Speedway in the GT500. Is the GT500 worth the high price of admission or is it all power and no glory?
First up, the new Mach 1. Although Patterson didn’t get the opportunity to drive the new Mach 1, he did get an up-close look at it. Patterson points out the fog light blanks and the small lip spoiler and notes that it doesn’t really differentiate itself from a regular GT all that much. It is worth noting that this particular car did not have the handling package that includes the larger wheels and spoiler among other things. We think that goes a long way toward making the Mach 1 look a bit more special. “So far it seems like a missed opportunity here. To be different from the rest of the Mustang family.” Says Patterson.
Maybe the Mach 1 name is causing the issue? “It is much more similar to what a new Boss 302 would be, than say a Mach 1.” Says Patterson. His point is that the engine is barely changed and that it is slightly better than a GT. That is essentially what the Boss 302 represented. Is he right? It is tough to really make that case until we can all get some time behind the wheel. Oftentimes specs on paper translate quite differently in the real world. We hope to get some seat time soon and be able to comment with a bit more authority.
Next, up is the big boy, the GT500. Patterson shows us the development car that was used to fine tune the aerodynamics on the GT500. Many of the bits were done on a 3D-printer to expedite the process. There is also a cutaway of the 7-speed dual clutch Tremec gearbox that is used in the car. The heart of the beast is exposed next. On a stand is the 5.2L cross-plane crank V8 engine. Finally, the unbelievably light and sexy looking carbon fiber wheels are on display for a closer look. All those bits are nice and all, but what is it like on an actual racetrack?
“The Shelby GT500 on track, to say it lightly is unbelievable.” Proclaims Patterson. It doesn’t drive like any previous Mustang on track and it fully justifies its high sticker price. It is up to you to decide if it also justifies the large markup that many dealers are asking right now. Regardless, the GT500 behaves like a supercar on track. According to Patterson the brakes are Porsche-level good. However, he feels that the most controversial part might be its biggest strength. The gearbox. Yes, it is an automatic-only affair in the GT500, but the dual-clutch is simply outstanding on track. This car can embarrass many cars costing thousands more.
Do you agree with Patterson’s assessments of the GT500 and the Mach 1? Head over to The Mustang Source forums and let us know what you think.
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