Ford introduces the all-electric Mustang Mach-E 1400 prototype

Ford introduces the Mustang Mach-E 1400, a one-off all-electric road rocket that shows just how much performance can be harnessed without using a drop of gas, ready for the track, drag strip or gymkhana course or anywhere that can show how electric propulsion promises extreme Mustang performance.

The Mustang Mach-E 1400 is the result of 10,000 hours of collaboration between Ford Performance and OEM+ performance vehicles firm RTR, aimed at bridging the gap between what an electric vehicle can do and what customers tend to believe it can do.

Developed in collaboration with RTR and built off a Mustang Mach-E GT, the prototype targets 1,381bhp peak power. The chassis and powertrain work together for a multitude of setups offering capability unlike any other vehicle.

The aerodynamics of the Mustang Mach-E 1400 has taken shape without rules and are optimised for shape and location, with a focus on the cooling ducts, as well as its front splitter, dive planes and rear wing.

The chassis and powertrain are set up to allow the team to investigate different layouts and their effects on energy consumption and performance, including rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive. 

Drift and track setups have completely different front end configurations like control arms and steering changes to allow for extreme steering angles in drifting. Power delivery can be split evenly between front and rear, or completely to one or the other. Downforce is targeted at more than 1,000kg at 257km/h.

Mustang Mach-E 1400 has seven motors - five more than even Mustang Mach-E GT. Three are attached to the front differential and four are attached to the rear in a 'pancake' style, with a single driveshaft connecting them to the differentials, which have a huge range of adjustability to set the car up for everything from drifting to high-speed track racing. 

The 56.8kWh battery is made up of nickel manganese cobalt pouch cells for ultra-high performance and a high discharge rate. The battery system is designed to be cooled during charging using a di-electric coolant, decreasing the time needed between runs.

An electronic brake booster is integrated to allow series regenerative braking combined with ABS and stability control to optimise the braking system. Mustang Mach-E 1400 features Brembo brakes, like the Mustang GT4 race car, and a hydraulic handbrake system designed for drifting that integrates with the powertrain controls to enable the ability to shut off power to the rear motors.

The Mustang Mach-E 1400, which is set to debut at a NASCAR race soon, serves as a test bed for new materials. The hood is made of organic composite fibres, a lightweight alternative to the carbon fibre that comprises the rest of the vehicle. Watch the all-electric prototype in action on Ford Performance's YouTube channel here.