Good news and bad seems set to arrive in respect to Fords’ latest Mustang ‘special edition’ news.

Latest talk from Detroit has downplayed NZ opportunity for the MACH 1 (above), but we do get the GT in a Black Shadow edition (below)

PREPARE to meet the Black Shadow … but perhaps don’t get your hopes up about the Mach 1.

That seems to be the situation in respect to two special edition Mustangs, both of which pay homage – albeit to differing degree - to range-topping Mustangs from the late 19670s’ to early 70s’ muscle car era, whose announcements have synched.

In the same period Ford New Zealand chose to divulge information about a cosmetic package for the GT, called the Black Shadow, the parent in Detroit has finally fully unveiled a far more macho rendition of the V8 coupe, the new-era Mach 1 set to go into production soon for sale in 2021.

Like the original, the new-gen Mach 1 bridges the gap between the a standard GT and the Shelby Mustang, so packs visual upgrades alongside chassis and performance revisions, all intended to enhance its track feel.

A new intake manifold, oil filter adapter and a reflashed engine management system enhance power and torque to 352kW and 569Nm. Like the standard car, the engine sends its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, although a ten-speed automatic is offered as an optional extra.

Ford has also fitted a few extra mechanical upgrades that are designed to keep the car’s drivetrain cool on the track. There’s a pair of new heat exchangers – one for the engine oil and one for the gearbox oil – along with a cooling system for the differential.

As with the original Mach 1, Ford has worked on the Mustang’s handling, adding stiffer anti-roll bars, front springs and subframe bushes, as well as a set of tweaked adaptive dampers, a sharper steering rack and an improved brake servo. Buyers also get a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels, which are styled to look like the original Mach 1’s.

So exciting, right?

And now the bad news. In pulling the covers off the latter, Detroit has dampened hope about export potentials or even right-hand-drive development, having immediately indicated to media in the United Kingdom – a key RHD Mustang market - that it won’t be available there.

So, perhaps, the Ford NZ hope of seeing the Mach 1 is also ruined; though it says it will continue to hold out hope until being absolutely told otherwise by head office.

Meantime, the Auckland-centred operation is spruiking the Black Shadow, which is an interesting format on two counts.

First, the car is a reprisal of one of several specials first developed in celebration of Mustang’s 55th year of production, a milestone that was reached in 2019. Secondly, it is a variant Mustang’s home audience doesn’t experience.

Black Shadows are for export only and, from the information available, only New Zealand – which is taking 30 initially though more can be ordered if need-be - Australia and Brazil achieve this dress-up at the moment.

Based on the $82,990 5.0-litre V8 GT fastback, but with a $5000 premium (so, the same price as a GT convertible) the … erm …. ‘BS’ is all about kerbside attitude.

A Black Shadow is best identified by its boot mount spoiler and a set of unique alloy wheels, but the package also includes a lot of black accents, including on the roof, bonnet and side stripes, there’s a grille-mounted pony badge and some 5.0 wheel arch badges.

The body colour choices are limited to blue, a metallic grey, red and ‘Grabber Lime’, which is from Ford’s heritage palette – so-called because it’s inspired by a hue offered in North America on early 1970s’ Mustangs, including the Mach 1. Grabber Blue and Dark Highland Green, previously offered in NZ, are also from that collection.

The interior features various unique goodies and picks up the as standard the Recaro seat that is a cost-extra option for the standard GT.