Electric vehicles are known for their quiet operation, but that presents a significant challenge—especially for a racing series that relies on keeping its audience engaged in a rapidly changing automotive landscape. For NASCAR, a sport almost synonymous with the roar of multiple V-8 engines echoing around oval tracks, this could pose a major issue.
Ford has a deep-rooted passion for racing. Yesterday, the automaker announced its ambitious goal of securing an overall victory at Le Mans in 2027. However, Ford is also keeping its focus on American motorsports. The company has just unveiled a new Mustang Mach-E prototype designed for NASCAR.
This Mach-E demonstrator, which sits lower to the ground and resembles a hot hatch more than a traditional family crossover, incorporates several components from the current Cup Series cars. These include the suspension, steering system, brakes, and wheels. Additionally, the prototype features a full carbon-fiber tub to reduce weight.
While Ford has not disclosed the full specifications of this prototype, it has confirmed that the electric vehicle is equipped with three motors and a 78-kilowatt-hour battery. This setup mirrors that of the ABB NASCAR EV prototype introduced last year during the Chicago street race. That vehicle generates an impressive 1,341 horsepower and, like the Mustang prototype, adopts a crossover-inspired shape.
In recent years, Ford has developed several extreme EV prototypes, such as the 1,400-horsepower SuperVan 4.2 and the recently revealed SuperTruck. Two years ago, the automaker shattered a Pikes Peak record with its electric van, so there’s hope that the NASCAR Mach-E will soon make a high-profile appearance.
Even if it doesn’t, Ford has another Mach-E-based prototype in the works. While only teased so far (as seen in the image above), this vehicle will be officially unveiled soon. The company is bringing it to Pikes Peak with Romain Dumas behind the wheel, and it is expected to look just as extreme as the SuperVan and SuperTruck. With a large rear wing and extensive aerodynamic enhancements, the car will be designed to generate significant downforce.
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