Ford Mustang Mach-E GT gets even wilder

Proving its Ford Mustang Mach-E GT was not simply a one-trick wild pony, Ford has unveiled a GT Performance Edition of its already-fast all-electric SUV that boosts output, makes it even quicker in a straight line and boasts improved dynamic performance.

With Blue Oval engineers drawing extra power from the 88kWh battery pack, the standard Ford Mustang Mach-E GT will also now produce 358kW – 16kW more than first quoted – while the new GT Performance Edition has an equivalent power output but even more torque: a muscular 860Nm (+30Nm).

Ford claims this can see the GT Performance Edition accelerate from 0-60mph (97km/h) in just 3.5 seconds, placing in 0.3sec ahead of the regular Mach-E GT.

The US EPA-estimated range is 378km, which is down slightly from the 402km originally claimed for the standard GT EV, but final figures are stilly a little hazy given ongoing development and conversions to the WLTP test cycle which put the regular Mach-E GT at 500km.

Range aside, Ford is going all-out with its Tesla Model Y rival, the GT Performance Edition also featuring magnetorheological dampers (MagneRide), bigger Brembo brakes (19-inch up front, with red-painted callipers) and 20-inch machine-faced Ebony Black wheels with 245/45R20 Pirelli tyres.

Ford says the sum of these changes, including the battery boost, is improved handling performance.

There’s also some extra incentive in terms of cabin features on the top-shelf GT, with the Ford Performance front sports seats trimmed in a Performance Gray ActiveX material with metallic stitching and unique Miko perforated reflective inserts.

The instrument panel also carries a unique aluminium applique.

“We already pushed the envelope by creating an electric vehicle with the pony badge, so it’s only natural that we push it even further,” said Ford’s global head of battery-electric vehicles, Darren Palmer.

“Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition not only gives you the added performance you expect from the GT name, but accentuates the thrill with the responsiveness of an all-electric powertrain.”

The Performance Edition will be a permanent member of the Mustang Mach-E GT range that goes on sale in the US around July next year, with orders opening early in 2021.

Ford has not yet confirmed timing for the all-electric Mustang SUV’s arrival Down Under, but it has been developed for right-hand drive and was confirmed for Australia at its unveiling a year ago.

A Ford Australia spokesperson today said "the Mach-E GT is a technological tour-de-force and showcases Ford's performance DNA" but that the company was unable to share its plans regarding local launch timing.

We don’t expect to see it before 2022, with customer demand certain to be strong in North America, Europe and other global markets.