Ford on Thursday confirmed what its Mustang Mach-E electrical SUV would possibly appear to be as a NASCAR race automotive.
The prototype is designed to appear to be a Mach-E, however is definitely constructed round a carbon-fiber tub chassis with elements from a present NASCAR Cup Collection automotive, together with the suspension, brakes, steering, and wheels, Ford mentioned in a quick assertion.
NASCAR unveiled its personal electrical SUV prototype, with none manufacturer-specific styling, in 2023. This Mach-E prototype shares a few of its specs—each have tri-motor powertrains and 78-kwh battery packs—however Ford didn’t touch upon these similarities. The powertrain differs from the choices within the Mach-E street automotive, which is presently bought in single-motor and dual-motor configurations, with 72-kwh or 91-kwh battery packs.
Ford Mustang Mach-E NASCAR Prototype
Dressing up a bespoke design to appear to be a Mach-E suits with the present NASCAR template, through which race vehicles are designed for the collection however branded as street vehicles followers can purchase. The “S” and “C” in NASCAR stand for “inventory automotive” however, as anybody who’s watched “Days of Thunder” is aware of, there’s nothing inventory about them.
The Mach-E additionally exhibits why NASCAR selected an SUV physique fashion for its EV prototype. If Ford determined to race an electrical inventory automotive immediately, it could by default need to be badged as a Mach-E, as it is the model’s solely EV aside from the F-150 Lightning pickup truck. Ford has additionally been keen to construct up the Mach-E’s efficiency credentials. In 2020, it unleashed a wild Mach-E demonstrator with seven motors and 1,400 hp to point out off the efficiency potential of electrical powertrains.
Ford confirmed the Mach-E prototype in motion with long-time NASCAR driver David Ragan on the wheel, indicating it might see some kind of competitors or different observe motion.
It is unclear if the Mach-E will ever get an opportunity to race, although. A 2022 report mentioned NASCAR was planning an electrical collection, however the sanctioning physique hasn’t made any official bulletins, solely saying that it goals to zero out emissions over the subsequent decade. However Ford’s choice to observe NASCAR’s generic EV prototype with one badged as a Mach-E is a sign that issues might be transferring ahead.