Mustang Mach-E GT To Get Iconic Color While Mustang Mach 1 To Get Manual Transmission

I’m not going to rehash my issues with the Mustang Mach-E. I’ve said my peace, circulated my petition and have not changed my opinion, despite what some people may think. I’m moving forward, just as Ford is, that the Mustang name will be on a crossover and probably other non pony car iterations.

And it also appears that Ford is fully planning on the Mustang name to be a sub-brand. Again, I’m not sure how I feel about that, and I know many, many Mustang enthusiasts who are wholly opposed to such an idea.

One rumor circulating is that Ford will offer a four-door muscle car version, similar to what Dodge did with the Charger. The Charger has proven to be a great seller and good idea for the Dodge brand, without damaging the persona of the muscly Challenger. There's also talk of an all-wheel drive hybrid Mustang coming for the 2022 model year.

I do think Mustang will survive, despite some of the unfortunate direction Ford has taken the pony brand. That being said, Ford was proud to announce a new, exclusive color option for the GT version of the all-electric Mach-E that might interest some of the Mustang community.

Cyber Orange Available for Mustang Mach-E GT
Ford is introducing Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat for Mustang Mach-E GT – a bold, eye-catching premium exterior color designed by the company’s color and materials experts for those who want to turn heads twice.
“Mustang has always turned heads and Mustang Mach-E will be no exception.” said Dave Pericak, director, Ford Icons. “We can’t wait for Cyber Orange to hit the streets on Mustang Mach-E GT next year to fuel the passion of our orange Mustang fans.”

Cyber Orange and Dark Matter Gray join the list of colors for Mustang Mach-E GT with deliveries starting in late summer 2021. Mustang Mach-E GT is also available in Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, Grabber Blue, Shadow Black, Iconic Silver and Space White.
“Cyber Orange says ‘look at me’,” said Janet Seymour, Mustang and Mustang Mach-E color & materials design manager. “There’s a certain passion in Mustang customers who really want to show off their Mustang – especially those that look to make a bold statement.”

Ford has used this color during previous generations of Mustang including the original 1965 year, the Mustang II generation (1977-1978) and the Fox Body also got Cyber Orange version in 1980. Kudos to Ford for trying to preserve Mustang heritage, even if doing so on an all-electric crossover rubs many enthusiasts the wrong way.

In other more exciting true pony car news, we now know a little more about the 2021 Mustang Mach 1.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 To Have Manual Transmission and Make More Than 500 HP
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1, which essentially replaces the Bullitt in the muscle-car lineup, will have a six-speed manual along with a 10-speed automatic.

True enthusiasts will crave the manual transmission option and according to a source at Ford, the Mach 1 will have that option. Of course this raises questions since there’s now a class action lawsuit over issues with hard, violent shifting regarding the manual transmissions in earlier generations of Mustang. Ford doesn’t seem concerned with that and will proceed (for now) with a manual option for the upcoming Mach 1.

Also, The Ford Authority speculated how much horsepower will be generated from the Mach 1’s Coyote engine. While the naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 is impressive, some enthusiasts (again) were left feeling it might fall short of their performance expectations for the Mach 1.

The Ford Authority speculated (accurately I do believe), that the horsepower in the Mach 1, with that Coyote engine will hover right around 525 horsepower. If so, that will exceed that in the Bullitt or the Mustang GT. That is a good thing, as the Mach 1, with that hallowed name, needs to be ultra-powerful and fast and loud.

Hey folks, at least there will be a manual transmission to appease some of the old-school Mustangers.

I realize it’s unusual times in general at Ford, and the loyal Blue Oval fans are frustrated. They feel (rightfully so) that Ford isn’t respecting their passion, or respecting Mustang heritage enough. I get it. I stand with you in this cause. Remember, I was the guy who started the #NotAMustang movement and the petition to remove the Mustang name from the Mach-E.

That came with a price as I upset many in Dearborn and find myself on the outside looking in often when it comes to news and inside information (blacklisted?). But I don’t regret, and I still stand pat that the Mustang Mach-E is #NotAMustang. That being said, I’m resolute that Ford is going forward with it and will likely create a sub-brand out of the Mustang logo. In a way that’s the most respectful thing they could for the Mustang.

Now it’s time for you to weigh in. I love hearing from the Mustang community. What do you think about the Mach-E? Are you satisfied with the Coyote engine in the Mach 1? Leave me your comments.

Jimmy Dinsmore has been an automotive journalist for more than a decade and been a writer since the high school. His Driver’s Side column features new car reviews and runs in several newspapers throughout the country. He is also co-author of the book “Mustang by Design” and “Ford Trucks: A Unique Look at the Technical History of America’s Most Popular Truck”. Also, Jimmy works in the social media marketing world for a Canadian automotive training aid manufacturing company. Follow Jimmy on Facebook, Twitter, at his special Ford F-150 coverage on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can read the most of Jimmy's stories by searching Torque News Ford for daily Ford vehicle report.