Following on the heels of two SuperVans and a SuperTruck, Ford unveiled a Mustang Mach-E NASCAR prototype on Thursday. Whereas NASCAR doesn’t at the moment set up a racing collection for electrical autos, it is possible for you to to see this Mach-E inventory automotive going flat-out this yr. Ford plans to race the demonstrator on the 2025 Pikes Peak Worldwide Hill Climb.
Not a lot is thought in regards to the NASCAR Mustang Mach-E’s specs, however the few particulars out there align with the EV prototype that ABB developed in partnership with NASCAR final July. Each autos function a tri-motor all-wheel-drive structure beneath a crossover SUV-style physique, and each are fitted with a 78-kWh liquid-cooled battery. Ford didn’t state any energy output numbers, however the ABB-branded machine can produce 1,300 horsepower. Crucially, each prototypes share the identical brakes, steering, suspension and wheels as the present NASCAR Cup Collection vehicles.
The similarities aren’t shocking as a result of all three NASCAR Cup Collection producers, Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, helped develop the ABB EV prototype. The Mustang Mach-E will possible be the primary of three inventory automotive EVs unveiled this yr. It’s unclear if they’ll ever race in opposition to one another. NASCAR’s solely concrete objective is lowering its emissions to zero by 2035. Many applied sciences refined for the demonstrators, such because the flax-based composites used for the bodywork, might be integrated into combustion inventory vehicles.
Ford is not any stranger to creating electrical racing machines from exhibitions. The Blue Oval received final yr’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb with the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck. Whereas nominally primarily based on the electrical pickup, the specialised climbing autos produced 6,000 kilos of downforce at 150 miles per hour. The ridiculous pedigree of the Ford Transit SuperVan goes with out query. Final yr, the boxy beast received the Goodwood Hill Climb after which outpaced each supercar that ever graced the High Gear check monitor. The Mustang Mach-E inventory automotive has quite a bit to dwell as much as.
