Australia set to miss out on Ford Mustang Mach 1: Why the most "track-capable 5.0-litre Mustang ever" won't make it Down Under

Ford has whipped the covers of the new king of its regular Mustang range, with the V8-powered Mach 1 breaking cover overnight. 

The Mach 1 scores a thumping 5.0-litre V8, now pumping out some 480 horsepower (358kW), which is plenty. That engine can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic, and there's available handling upgrades to further improve on-track performance. 

It looks tougher, too, with a new front fascia and grille, a new hood element, black exterior styling elements and reflective body stripes designed to carry on the Mach 1's 50-year-plus heritage. 

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The engine specifics are impressive: that 358kW arrives at 7,000rpm, and is joined by 569Nm from 4600rpm. 

The idea, says Ford, was to design the most "track-capable 5.0-litre Mustang ever", and so there's much substance to the style, with all the new design elements aiding in slippery aerodynamics or adding downforce. 

The front splitter, rear spoiler, and underbelly pan, for example, contribute to the 22 per cent increase in downforce when compared with a Mustang GT, while the optional Handling Package boosts the increase to an incredible 150 per cent. There's also Ford's MagneRide, stiffer sway bars, re-tuned front springs, and the rear sub-frame form the Shelby GT500.

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“Bold styling, great acceleration and speed – Mach 1 says it all,” says Ford USA's COO, Jim Farley. “This is one of those special Mustangs that truly brings a smile to the faces of our owners, enthusiasts and fans – including me – so there’s never been a better time to bring back Mach 1 and have it go global, too.”

But that "global" is unlikely to include Australia, with the brand so far very non-committal about the new Mach 1.

"In Australia, we're proud of Mustang R-Spec as our halo model, with the 2020 GT and 2.3L High Performance offering greater value and choice for this iconic nameplate," a spokesperson told CarsGuide this morning. "We have no news to share about any future plans."