2021 Ford Mustang
Powerful, fast and agile, the 2021 Ford Mustang is the pinnacle muscle car. Embracing the original Mustang heritage, Ford has made available a Mach 1 edition – the first such package seen since 2004. The Mach 1 package gives 2021 Mustang owners the most powerful naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 Mustang ever, as this premium model shares parts found both on the GT350 and GT500. Other changes made to the S550 platform include:
- Ford Co-Pilot 360 now standard on all models
- Four new paint options: Yellow Grabber, Fighter Jet Gray, Antimatter Blue & Carbonized Gray
- Mustang GT350, GT350R and Bullit no longer available
Make it Sound Like a Muscle Car
Part of the allure of a 2021 Mustang is the sound that bubbles and pops out of the exhaust system. Both EcoBoost and 5.0L Coyote S550 owners will appreciate the effects of an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system. These high flow systems are tuned to ease backpressure and provide customized sound – ranging from moderately aggressive to full-on snapping-and-popping raucous. Systems that use straight-through mufflers are typically the freest flowing and provide the most unadulterated sound; however they may not be legal in all states. Entry level systems will be made from aluminized steel whereas the higher end systems will be composed of T304 or T409 stainless steel. Aluminized steel is lightweight and offers good corrosion resistance, but is not as durable as stainless steel. Those made from stainless steel will last longer and resist discoloration better than an aluminized system. T304 is the king of the stainless steels, as it contains the highest amount of chromium and nickel, making it harder and nearly impervious to rust and corrosion.
Low, Not Slow
Another fan favorite for 2021 Mustang owners is a set of new springs – specifically, lowering springs. Dropping an S550 Mustang with a set of lowering springs streamlines the appearance of the car while also making it look more aggressive. On top of the more muscular aesthetic, depending on the level the car is dropped, handling abilities can improve thanks to the resultant lowered center of gravity. Using progressive rate springs will ensure a comfortable ride on the street and maintain good track performance. Drag springs, on the other hand, will be of a linear rate which helps the car squat and transfer power in a straight line but will definitely hurt street comfort and cornering ability. A standard 1” lowering kit should fit all 2021 Mustangs without issue. Going further than that, into the realm of 1.5” or a massive 2” drop, special attention must be taken to the wheels and tires in order to obtain proper fitment and the shock absorbers may likely need to be changed as well in order to optimize the lowered operating range of the new springs.
Keeping your Mustang Clean
Perhaps a sorely underrated addition for any 2021 Mustang is custom interior floor and trunk mats. Overlaying the factory carpet, a custom floor mat is a sleek way to add some spice to the interior of the Mustang. Plush mats are carpeted mats with a non-slip, non-leak rubber backing, protecting the factory carpet underneath. They are available in a multitude of hues and all sorts of insignias stitched on. Best suited for dry (summer time) climates, plush mats with a discreet logo add a great custom touch to any 2021 Mustang. For those Mustangs in wetter climates, tray-style mats are the go-to. Specifically contoured with raised edges, these flexible specialty liners trap water, dirt and other debris and are then easily lifted out of the car to be dumped and then wiped or hosed down.
