DOWN THE ROAD
The standard all-wheel-drive Mustang Mach-e variation targets quicker times to 100 km/h than the base Porsche Macan.
Ford is gambling on an all-new, all-electric SUV to bring its famous Mustang brand into the electric age, stating that the Mach-e is born of the same all-american ideals that inspired the best-selling pony car in the world.
It is the first time since the original Mustang took the world by storm in 1964 that Ford is expanding the Mustang sports coupé family with a vehicle “ready to reimagine the ideas representing the best of the American spirit for a powerful electric future, with space for the growing needs of customers and advanced overthe-air updates that continue to improve the vehicle”.
According to Bill Ford, executive chairman of the Ford Motor Company, founder Henry Ford at the first-ever Detroit auto show said he was working on something that would strike like forked lightning. That was the Model T. Then he confirmed that Ford has now unveiled a car that strikes like forked lightning all over again.
Ford has brought the Mustang Mach-e to life through a development process concentrated entirely on customer needs and desires. The result is a sleek SUV that delivers spirited ride and handling, with state-of-the-art connected vehicle technology that will be market-ready in late 2020.
The Mustang Mach-e will be available with standard and extended-range battery options with either rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive powered by permanent magnet motors. Equipped with an extended-range battery and rear-wheeldrive, it has a targeted range of at least 480 km.
Faster than a Macan?
In extended range all-wheel-drive configurations, the Mach-e is targeting 248 kw and 565 Nm of torque – with the standard all-wheel-drive variation targeting quicker times to 100 km/h than the base Porsche Macan. Ford also will offer two special performance versions.
The GT is targeting 0-100 km/h in under four seconds, making it faster off the line than a Macan Turbo, and the GT Performance Edition is targeting a comparable 0-100 km/h sprint in the midthree-second range to a Porsche 911 GTS. Both GT configurations are targeting an estimated 342 kw and 830 Nm of torque.
A limited First Edition will be available in extended range all-wheel-drive, with red painted brake calipers, metallic pedal covers, contrasting seat stitching and a scuff plate marked First Edition. In addition to blistering acceleration, the Mustang Mach-e will also stop well, courtesy of new Brembo Flexira aluminium performance calipers.
The GT Performance Edition is equipped with a Magneride adaptive suspension system and three unique drive experiences are available – Whisper, Engage, and Unbridled – each offering finely-tuned driving dynamics packaged with a distinct sensory experience.
At launch a new Mach-e 4 all-wheel drive system will be available that can apply torque independently to the front and rear axles to deliver impressive acceleration and improved handling. Making its debut in the Mach-e is the next-generation SYNC communications and entertainment system, with 15.5inch screen and simple interface, also to receive secure over-the-air updates.
According to Ford the Mach-e is instantly recognizable as a Mustang, thanks to signature elements such as its long, powerful hood, rear haunch design, aggressive headlights, and trademark tri-bar taillamps. Traditional Mustang design cues, like the doublecowl instrument panel, round out the roomy Suv-size interior.
The Mach-e will be available in both standard-range (75,7 kwh lithium-ion battery) and extended-range (98,8 kwh battery) and the company offers a home charging station that can add an estimated average range of 52 km per charging hour on a 240 V outlet, while a mobile charger can add around 35 km per charging hour on a 240 V outlet.