WITH 454bhp on tap, the new Ford Mustang Mach 1 is billed as the most track-capable member of the Mustang line-up to ever grace UK shores.

Due to arrive in early summer with a £55,185 price-tag for the six-speed manual version it comes with a host of high-performance tweaks including a specially calibrated five-litre V8engine and uprated cooling for improved on-track performance.

It is, says Ford, the best-handling Mustang yet and the fastest production version of the iconic muscle car around a track ever offered to customers in Europe thanks to its unique suspension setup which includes specially-calibrated dampers and bespoke springs, anti-roll bars and bush specifications all designed to deliver improved control and response under high cornering loads.

The electric power-assisted steering software has also been re-tuned to offer more precise steering and the Mach 1 will be the first production Mustang in Europe available with a high-performance six-speed manual transmission, featuring rev-matching technology and an upgraded oil-cooler system for high-demand performance driving.A 10-speed auto version is also available, costing an extra £2,000.

Stylewise there's little to distinguish the Mach 1 from the ‘standard' Mustang other than wider alloys, a redesigned front splitter, a longer undertray and Shelby GT500 rear diffuser design and a bespoke rear spoiler all designed to increase downforce and balance on the track.

The extra grunt from the modified V8 gives the Mach 1 the edge over the standard Mustang GT with a flat-out maximum of 163mph compared with 155mph but the 0-62mph sprint time is the same at 4.9 seconds for the manual version and 4.6 for the auto.