► Ford Mustang goes electric
► A showcase, not production car
► The Mach-E is coming first
Ford engineers have joined forces with auto electrical outfit Webasto to debut a one-off, 887bhp electric Ford Mustang at the 2019 SEMA Show.
According to the American carmaker’s press release, the Mustang Lithium can draw over 1000lb ft of torque from an 800-volt battery system and dual-core motor.
As a unique tribute to the Mustang’s driver-oriented pedigree, the collaborators chose a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission in place of the automatics typically favoured by EVs. Ford Performance’s Track Handling Pack also made the cut, along with Shelby GT350R six-pot Brembo brakes nestled behind 20-inch Forgeline wheels.
Much like the current crop of consumer-purchasable Mustangs, several torque-modulating drive modes are available on the Lithium, ranging from ‘Valet’ to ‘Beast’.
Don’t hold your breath for a six-cog electric Mustang to appear at your local dealership, though. According to Ford’s chief product development and purchasing officer Hau Thai-Tang, the one-of-one prototype was built to showcase “what new electrified powertrains can do for performance in a car they already know and love.” For now, road-going Mustangs will continue to drink unleaded juice.
Despite being best described as a concept car, the Mustang Lithium fits neatly with Ford’s projected lineup over the next few years. Ford’s all-electric range will kick off with their Mustang-inspired SUV, due to be revealed on November 17 for a 2020 release.
Longer-term products such as the slated battery-powered F-150 will also likely use technology gleaned from the unique Lithium – even if in an arguably less extreme form.
This article originally appeared on whichcar.com.au