2020 Ford Mustang Mach 1 officially teased

UPDATED 02/06/2020: Ford Australia has confirmed the Mustang Mach 1 won't be coming Down Under, saying "The Mach 1 news is specific to the US. Here in Australia, we’re proud of Mustang R-SPEC as our halo model, with the 2020 GT and 2.3L High Performance models offering greater value and choice for this iconic nameplate".

The Blue Oval has confirmed it is readying a fast Ford Mustang Mach 1 performance flagship that could replace the Ford Mustang Bullitt Down Under.

Created to slot into the current Mustang range above the V8-powered GT but below the Shelby GT350 available in the US, and rumoured to be a replacement for the Mustang Bullitt, the new Mustang Mach 1 resurrects a name first used by Ford back in 1969 for a faster version of its pony car.

It's clear from these official teaser images of a partly-camouflaged version of the Mustang Mach 1 testing in the US that the latest limited-edition 'Stang will come with revised front-end styling that includes a new diamond-mesh grille with two large port-holes – a design cue that's said to pay homage to the original '69 Mach 1.

Look closer and the lower half of the bumper has also been restyled, while a prominent front splitter has been added, hinting at comprehensive aero updates above and beneath the skin.

At the rear, a large spoiler, bigger diffuser and redesigned bumper, plus enlarged quad exhaust outlets, cement its performance credentials.

A third pic reveals the latest 2020 Mustang Mach 1 will come with bigger Brembo brakes and lightweight 19-inch alloy rims wrapped with 305/30 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

As well as retuned suspension that borrows tricks from the GT350, the Mach 1 is expected to come with a more powerful version of that car's naturally-aspirated 5.0-litre V8, with power likely to be wound up from 345kW to around 375kW.

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is set to go on sale later this year in the US, and is expected to also be offered in Australia.

When it arrives it's unlikely it will attract as much excitement as the Steve McQueen-inspired Mustang Bullitt, which touched down in Australia in September 2018 and was such a hit that Ford Australia had to run a ballot for the final 10 vehicles.