This is a Ford Mustang, but not as you know it. This is an electric Ford Mustang, dubbed the ‘Lithium’, and it’s a project between Ford and Webasto on display at the 2019 SEMA Show. It’s more powerful than any Mustang in current production, and packs an 800-volt Webasto battery system. Thanks to its electric drivetrain it packs more than 900 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque, but that’s not the whole story.
Instead of a direct drive setup, this electric Ford Mustang has a six-speed manual transmission. The Getrag MT82 gearbox with billet internals is built to handle the torque, and still offers some sense of engagement with the so-called EVDrive powertrain. “Ford has made no secret of the fact that we are electrifying our most popular nameplates,” said Ford’s chief product development officer Hau Thai-Tang. This collaboration brings that philosophy to the Mustang, just before the company unveils its Mustang-based crossover in LA later this month.
Handling upgrades
Apart from the 800-volt battery system and power/torque figures, this electric Ford Mustang sports plenty of handling upgrades as well. It sits an inch lower than the standard Mustang, and its on 20-inch staggered wheels. The car also has the Mustang’s Track Handling Pack and strut tower brace, as well as Brembo six-piston brakes from the Shelby GT350R.
Inside, the driver can use the drive modes to control the power and torque output for different driving scenarios. That includes Valet, Sport, Track and — my favorite — Beast mode. The modes are accessible through a 10.4-inch infotainment screen, which is currently larger than you can get on any production Mustang.
While we’re not quite there yet, it may not be long before we see a truly electric Ford Mustang. The company plans to invest $11.5 billion into electrified vehicles by 2022. That money includes developing the Mach E crossover as well as an all-electric F-150.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more 2019 SEMA Show news, views and real-world reviews!
