Ever since we saw the spy footage of a concept Ford Mustang Mach-E under testing in the USA, we have been waiting for this day.
We discussed the footage on Episode 18 of the Auto Catch Up podcast and threw around some theories, and some were pretty close to the mark. So now we know what it’s all about
Introducing the Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400, and yes that 1400 does stand for HORSEPOWER!
This one of a kind prototype, yes its just a prototype, has been created in conjunction with Ford Performance, Drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr and his team at RTR Vehicles. With over 10,000 of work going into the project.
The team took a Mustang Mach-E GT body and then built a homage to the recently unveiled all-electric Mustang Cobra Jet 1400. It features seven electric motors, the Mach-E GT it is based on only has two. Three of the seven are attached to the front differential, and the remaining four connected to the rear differential. These combine to put out peak 1400 horsepower.
The drivetrain in conjunction with the chassis allows the team to switch between the front wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel-drive setups. The changes will enable the car to change the set up for all kinds of different racing, from flat out track running to drifting and gymkhana fun.
The build team used their previous experience with aerodynamics to help improve downforce and handling with improvements to cooling ducts, dive planes, front splitter and the incredible rear wing. This results in downforce of over 1000kg when the car is at just under 260km/h. The team also used the project to test new materials, the hood, for example, is made of organic composite fibres, which are a lightweight option instead of carbon fibre that makes the rest of the prototype.
The powerplant used in the Mach-E 1400 is a combination of 7 electric motors and a 56.8kilowatt-hour battery. For comparison, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S uses a 93.4kWh battery. However, the usage of nickel manganese cobalt pouch cells in the Mach-E 1400 help with ultra-high performance operation and the high discharge rates associated. Di-electric coolant cools the battery while charging, minimising the time between runs on the track.
For stopping power, the Mach-E 1400 features the same Brembo brakes as the Mustang GT4 racecar, and it also has an electric brake booster that allows regenerative braking, which in conjunction ABS and stability control to optimise the brake set up.
Finally being a product that has been created by legendary drifter Gittin Jnr, it features a hydraulic handbrake system, that works with the powertrain to allow it to remove power to the rear wheel for drifting.
Cocreator Vaughn Gittin Jr loved his time behind the wheel of the car.
Getting behind the wheel of this car has completely changed my perspective on what power and torque can be, This experience is like nothing you’ve ever imagined, except for maybe a magnetic roller coaster.”
Mark Rushbrook, the motorsport director at Ford Performance says
“The challenge was controlling the extreme levels of power provided by the seven motors,” “Mustang Mach-E 1400 is a showcase of the art of the possible with an electric vehicle.”
The team “aimed at bridging the gap between what an electric vehicle can do and what customers tend to believe it can do”.
They have certainly proved that.
Don’t miss the video at the top of this post showing Gittin Jr in action in the Mach-E. The vehicle will have its public debut at an upcoming Nascar event.
The production Mach-E goes on sale in the USA at the end of the year. Currently, the Mach-E will be produced, only for Left-hand drive, so I don’t think we will see a Mustang Mach-E on the road in Australia anytime soon, which is a shame.
Words by Joel Strickland @joelstrickphoto
