Ford Just Killed the Mustang GT’s Highest Performing Variant
The Ford Mustang is, without a doubt, one of the best-selling sports cars in the United States. As of late, the iconic muscle car has undergone some significant changes. In June, Ford announced the resurgence of the Mustang Mach 1 as a high-performance version of the GT. Toward the beginning of October, we saw Ford take an ax to the Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT350R. A new order guide published on BlueOvalForums reported via Muscle Cars & Trucks details that the GT’s capable Performance Pack Level 2 won’t return for 2021.
Farewell Performance Pack Level 2
The Mustang GT with the Performance Pack Level 2 option was the best-performing version of the model available. Despite the $6,500 cost of entry, the optional package brought a ton of performance goodies. The most visually apparent upgrade is the set of 19-inch wheels. The wheels are 10.5 inches wide in the front and 11 inches wide in the rear. In terms of tires, the pack includes a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2.
For stopping power, Ford equipped the Mustang with Brembo six-piston calipers. The real magic of the Performance Pack Level 2 is in the suspension and chassis upgrades. A MagneRide adjustable damper system comes included with a track-focused state of tune. A strut tower brace and K-brace help stiffen up the chassis and provide greater rigidity.
While the Performance Pack may not enhance the Mustang’s 460-hp output, it equips it with all of the other necessary components to make the best use of that power.
The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is coming to take the throne
The Ford Mustang GT PP2’s demise comes hot on the heels of the resurgence of the Mach 1. Like the GT PP2, the Mach 1 is a high-performance Mustang with track-focused features. However, unlike the PP2, the Mach 1 is a special edition, meaning it will likely only be on sale for a few years.
The Mach 1 offers notable performance upgrades over the GT and GT PP2 with a more powerful 480-hp output, suspension elements from the Shelby GT500, and improved aerodynamic components. However, these extras come at a premium. For the Mach 1 to succeed, there can’t be a similar product offered at a lower price.
The benefit of the Performance Pack 2 is that it can be optioned on a lower optioned GT. The Mustang GT starts at $35,880. While PP2 costs $6,500, it also requires the 301A Equipment Group for $2,000. With everything included, the cheapest Mustang GT PP2 costs $45,575. In Contrast, the Mustang Mach 1 starts at just over $52,000. To get the best of the Mach 1, you’ll have to option its Handling Package. Although Ford hasn’t published official pricing for the Handling Package, expect it to carry a significant premium.
There will be an open gap in the Mustang’s lineup
Given the Ford Mustang Mach 1’s special edition status and the disappearance of the PP2, GT350, and GT350R, there will be a gap in the lineup. While the Performance Pack Level 1 will carry on, it doesn’t offer the performance benefits of Level 2. As the Mach 1 exits production in a few years, there will be room yet again for a high-performance Mustang. Whether Ford will revive the Performance Pack Level 2 or create a new variant remains to be seen.
