One Fast Pony: Ford Mustang Mach-E NASCAR Prototype Delivers 1,200 HP

      Ford

      Ford has committed to sustaining the V8 for as long as possible and to creating thrilling vehicles for both on-road and off-road enthusiasts. The Ford Mustang Mach-E NASCAR Concept may not be equipped with a V8, but I suspect it promises a lot of enjoyment. Still need convincing? How about a 1,200-horsepower Mustang Mach-E for some track action? Ford certainly believes it would be more than adequate.

      Last year, NASCAR explored the electric vehicle (EV) market. Unfortunately, the response from fans was less than enthusiastic, which wasn't entirely unexpected. Thus, NASCAR's inaugural venture into electrification appeared to be its final one. Nevertheless, the 1,300-hp concept, despite its generic design, remained an impressive 1,300-hp concept. Ford leveraged this specification to develop a similar EV race car prototype intended for the racetrack rather than merely as a showpiece.

      The Mustang Mach-E demonstrator is a high-performance EV racer featuring a tri-motor system that generates 1,200 horsepower without emissions. Aside from this surge of power, Ford’s performance prototype crossover differs significantly from what NASCAR suggested. In an interview with Road & Track, Ford mentioned they had “some fun with” the ABB NASCAR EV Prototype.

      “This chassis is a variation,” stated Zach Burns, leader of the Mach-E racing demonstrator development team. “You can see the back end is much larger with a higher roof…to give it more of an SUV appearance. The front and rear sections are also distinct from the [NASCAR] Next Gen vehicle, but aside from that, the suspension and everything else are carryovers.”

      As reported by R&T, the motor and transmission are located in front of the firewall, while the battery is mounted alongside. Furthermore, the custom Goodyear tires are crafted from a renewable compound specifically designed for an EV race car.

      Burns added, “Overall, it’s aimed to reflect what we could create within a fair framework of NASCAR rules if they were to have guidelines for this car.” However, there is currently no racing series in place, and thus, no established rules. “So what?” appears to be Ford's stance, as the track-ready Mustang Mach-E demonstrator is set to tour. To enhance its racing credentials, the program's official driver is Romain Dumas, a two-time Le Mans champion and the reigning Pikes Peak victor.

      Ford has yet to publish a schedule, but don’t anticipate that the domestic model will solely perform demo runs in North America. For instance, Ford's previous performance EVs have been showcased at events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the 12 Hours of Bathurst. Therefore, despite its NASCAR lineage, this emerging race car is expected to demonstrate its capabilities beyond just oval tracks.

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