We’re used to seeing four-figure power outputs slapped onto electric concept cars, but an EV with seven motors and a driveline that can switch between front, four and rear-wheel drive – not so much. That’s exactly what's underneath a new creation from Ford Performance and RTR, which takes a Mustang Mach-E body in white and equips it with what is probably one of the most adjustable powertrains ever produced. And, of course, a 1,400hp output.
Using Ford’s recently-launched Mustang electric crossover base, the Mach-E 1400 adds two motors to the road car’s five-unit setup. Three are attached to the front differential and four attached to the rear one in a ‘pancake style’ arrangement, with a single driveshaft linking them to the aforementioned diff. The layout not only enables tremendous peak performance, it also allows for a wide range of driveline adjustability – which is key for the Mach E 1400’s party piece.
As demonstrated in the video, the Mach-E 1400 can be set for racing, drifting and even spinning on the spot, highlighting the capabilities of its hardware. Of course, the 56.8-kilowatt-hour battery-powered one-off needs some spanner work to achieve its full potential. Ford admits, for example, that the drift setup needs different control arms and steering components to the race one. But the key thing is that the powertrain, which remains unchanged.
We’re told that the electric system can take the Mach-E to 160mph, at which point the modified 1400’s bodywork is said to generate 1,043kg of downforce. Although that’s not listed as the car’s top speed so it could very well do more. The car uses an electronic booster to enable regenerative braking, the resistance of which is balanced with the ABS and stability control systems. The brakes themselves are Brembos, shared with the Mustang GT4 machine, and there’s a hydraulic handbrake system that auto-cuts power to the rear-axle motors.
No less important than that fun stuff are the technological advancements packed into the 1400, with the battery itself using nickel manganese cobalt pouch cells, said to enable both “ultra-high performance and [a] high discharge rate”. The battery system is kept at optimal temp during charging using a di-electric coolant, reducing top-up time. The concept is the result of 10,000 hours of collaborative work between Ford Performance and Blue Oval aftermarket specialist RTR.
Chief programme engineer for the Mustang Mach-E, Ron Heiser, said that “now is the perfect time to leverage electric technology, learn from it, and apply it to our lineup”, adding that “like every other Mustang before it, but Mustang Mach-E 1400 is completely insane, thanks to the efforts of Ford Performance and RTR”. Apparently it's had the desired affect on Ford racing star Vaughn Gittin Jr., who added that “getting behind the wheel of this car has completely changed my perspective on what power and torque can be”. And changing minds - specifically with regards to Ford's decision to label its first EV crossover 'Mustang' - is what the Mach-E 1400 is all about.
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