Mach 1 to Replace GT350 & Bullitt in 2021, According to Leak
Supposed VIN decoder reveals not only a Mach 1 revival but two V8 options; one with variable cam timing and one without.
For those curious about what Ford has cooking for 2021, Mach-E Club recently posted an alleged VIN decoder for all Ford Mustangs (including the Mach E), and, well, let’s just say it’s interesting.
Posted by forum member machstang, this leaked apparatus allows you to identify specific properties (engine size, displacement, production plant, body type, etc). Not unlike any we’ve seen before. However, the gold nugget in this decoder is that there are now two, distinct 5.0 motors to choose from. And one of them will go in a Mustang VIN coded “P8R,” clearly labeled “Mach 1” on the chart.
New V8 in Town…Mach 1 Bound?
Mustang Forums Editor Michael Palmer has highlighted the Mach 1 name, as well as two other interesting bits, in the photo above. One is that there are two 2.3-liter 4V, inline-four options, meaning the “High Performance” four-banger is here to stay. Although we still secretly prefer calling it an SVO. Aside from the Mach 1 nameplate being revived, Ford will offer the standard TiVCT (Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing) Coyote and a mystery 4-valve 5.0 V8.
Common sense reckons that the Mustang GT will come with TiVCT, as it has had this tech since 2011. However, what does that mean for the Mach 1 powerplant? Will this “5.0L 4V” come with a completely different valvetrain? Come with higher compression? Will it still be a Gen 3 Coyote, or perhaps an upgraded new gen?
Before we get too deep into speculation, we need to remind everyone that none of this has been confirmed by Ford. Thus, if this is real, there is going to be a shakeup for the Ford V8. And that has got us rather excited.
GT350 & Bullitt
Fiscally speaking, Ford won’t co-produce the GT500 and GT350/GT35oR for obvious cost reasons. Yes, it’s had an incredible run on the S550 platform, but that sweet-sounding, flat plane crank, 5.2-liter Voodoo has its fair share of problems compared to the more reliable, cross plane Coyote. And considering the 5.2-liter Predator in the GT500 (also cross plane) is better in every way, Ford will definitely axe the 350.
What about the Bullitt? Well, since the New Edge days, Bullitt GTs traditionally have two-year runs and then disappear into the shadows again. So 2o2o is also clearly the last hurrah for the Steve McQueen(ish)-mobile. Curious still, is whether Ford will handle the Mach 1 similarly to the Bullitt. Will it also have a two-year model run, as it did in 2003 to 2004? Or will it be more of a mainstay, like it was from 1969 to 1973?
Not that the Bullitt is a slouch by any means, but we hope it’ll have more than 480 HP. We’re also going to go out on a limb here and say that it’ll have both manual and 10-speed automatic offerings. We say this because the car’s history shows as much. And Ford has a penchant for tradition. However, with the GT500 being DCT-only, that may be longshot. Still, we can totally see Ford cannibalizing the GT350 for its Tremec TR-3160 (hoping, anyway).
What do you all think? Is Ford planning a big Mach 1 comeback, or is it hogwash? Let us know in the forums.
VIN Decoder Photo: Mach-E Club
Bullitt & Mach 1 Photos: Derin Richardson
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