Though there may have been some consternation - and that's the polite word - around Ford's decision to affix an iconic pony car nameplate to an electric SUV, the plan is going ahead. And nothing quite expresses Ford's intent around the Mach-E plan than this car, the GT. Not only is it another model that borrows a badge from the Mustang's heritage, it actually boasts more power than its petrol-powered cousin, its 465hp surpassing the V8 GT's 450. Whatever next, eh? Here's the rest of the important info regarding the euro-spec Mustang Mach-E GT...
1. Speed
An obvious one when it comes to EVs, perhaps, but also a time-honoured way of selling fast cars. Because however irrelevant the measure is, we all know there's something quite satisfying about a car that accelerates faster than your mate's does. And the GT stacks up well on that front: 3.7 seconds is the claimed 0-62mph time, albeit with the stupid US system of a one-foot rollout. Ford is naturally keen to point out that this matches the Tesla Model Y; fast Ford fans will note it's the same time as claimed for the GT supercar of 2003. There's progress...
2. Range
Another predictable one when it comes to electric cars, though Ford is adamant that progress is being made. With an 88kWh extended range battery, the GT is aiming for a 310-mile WLTP range. A little way behind the very best a Mach-E can do (379 miles), though encouraging for the performance on offer. Good luck doing 300 miles between fill-ups in a V8 Mustang. Or a Focus RS, come to think of it...
3. Charging
Well, yes, you're thinking, but it doesn't take seven hours to put fuel in a petrol car, either. Which is correct, although Ford is keen to point out the infrastructure investment that's occurring in an attempt to make charging as painless as possible. Buyers of the Mach-E (and so, by extension, the GT presumably as well) will receive five years free access to the FordPass Charging Network and 12 months of complimentary Ionity access. FordPass is said to be the largest network of public charging stations in Europe, and a 150kW Ionity charger should add more than 70 miles in 10 minutes - we're getting there.
4. Colours
It wouldn't be a Mustang without some memorable colours, and the palette has duly been raided for this GT. Come the 2021 launch, buyers will be able to choose from Grabber Blue and Cyber Orange, paints borrowed from the coupe and not offered on standard Mach-Es. Dare it be said they're the best-looking Mach-Es yet?
5. Configurability
So this point is a little bit further off, not destined for the production model but with the technology in development. Along with the Mach-E GT road car, the mad Mach-E 1400 has also been seen in Europe for the first time, with its seven electric motors and enormous adjustability potential. One car can be set up for drag racing, drifting and circuit driving, which sounds like enormous fun.
The link between concept and reality is limited for the moment, but why couldn't it happen? More motors means more scope to alter things; what's to say a future Mach-E couldn't be configured as rear-drive one moment, all-wheel drive the next, and whatever split in between that best suits the situation? It's no dafter an idea, surely, than putting the Mustang badge on an electric SUV...
1 / 7