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In a groundbreaking move, Ford Performance has unleashed the F-150 Lightning Switchgear, a high-performance on- and off-road demonstrator that redefines the capabilities of America’s best-selling electric truck. Crafted in partnership with RTR Vehicles, this cutting-edge vehicle draws inspiration from the iconic F-150 RTR Ultimate Fun-Haver project of 2016, featuring custom exterior carbon bodywork adorned with a striking Ford Performance 2024 livery.

The Switchgear not only pushes the boundaries of electric trucks but also serves as the latest addition to Ford Performance’s Demonstrator program. This program, featuring notable predecessors like SuperVan 4.0, Mustang Mach-E 1400, Mustang CobraJet 1400, and the F-100 Eluminator, showcases the vast potential of electric vehicles, serving as a dynamic testing ground for engineers to rapidly advance their knowledge for future electric vehicle development.

Designed as a true off-road powerhouse, the F-150 Lightning Switchgear boasts a significant increase in track width for enhanced off-road stability. Improved ground clearance and suspension travel ensure this electric marvel conquers terrains never before explored by its counterparts.

To tackle rugged landscapes, the Switchgear’s suspension system employs FOX 3-inch diameter internal bypass shock absorbers, complemented by unique front and rear bumpers to optimise approach and departure angles. The front sports custom independent double-wishbone suspension, while the rear features multilink independent suspension with coil-over shocks, stabiliser bar, and custom control arms.

Dressed in carbon composite front fenders, bed sides, and rear bumper cover, the Switchgear is fortified with steel fabricated rock rails and a front skid plate to tackle the toughest off-road challenges. Limit straps are strategically incorporated to manage suspension and wheel travel effectively.

Adorning NITTO Ridge Grappler 37×12.5R18 tires and equipped with a distinctive chase rack featuring two spare wheels/tires, the F-150 Lightning Switchgear is ready to make its public debut at the King of the Hammers off-road racing event starting January 25 in Johnson Valley, California. Brace yourselves as Ford Performance electrifies the off-road experience, setting a new standard for electric trucks with the awe-inspiring F-150 Lightning Switchgear.

Even before the all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E reaches its first customers in America at the end of this year, the carmaker has come out with a ‘special’ to show off its performance. The one-off Mustang is called the Mach-E 1400 and where, in the old days, the ‘1400’ might have referred to the engine size, in this case it refers to the output of 1,400 horsepower.

Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype

The prototype can generate that much power with 7 electric motors and not a drop of petrol is needed. The chassis and powertrain work together for a multitude of track set-ups offering capability unlike any other vehicle.

“Now is the perfect time to leverage electric technology, learn from it, and apply it to our line-up,” said Ron Heiser, Chief Program Engineer for the Mustang Mach-E. “Mustang Mach-E is going to be fun to drive, just like every other Mustang before it, but Mustang Mach-E 1400 is completely insane, thanks to the efforts of Ford Performance and RTR.”

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

“Getting behind the wheel of this car has completely changed my perspective on what power and torque can be,” said Vaughn Gittin Jr., RTR Vehicles founder, motorsports champion and professional fun-haver. “This experience is like nothing you’ve ever imagined, except for maybe a magnetic roller-coaster.”

The Mustang Mach-E 1400 has taken shape without rules. The Ford design team and RTR used many of the same tools Ford uses for its racing cars and production programs. Aerodynamics are optimized for shape and location, with a focus on cooling ducts, front splitter, dive planes and rear wing.

Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype

Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype

Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype

There are 5 extra electric motors compared to the Mustang Mach-E GT. Three are attached to the front differential and four are attached to the rear in 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 challenge was controlling the extreme levels of power provided by the 7 motors,” said Mark Rushbrook, Motorsports Director, Ford Performance. “Mustang Mach-E 1400 is a showcase of the art of the possible with an electric vehicle.”

Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype

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.

Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype

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 1,045 kgs at almost 260 km/h.

The 56.8-kWh battery pack contains 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.

Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype

BHPetrol RON95 Euro4M

An electronic brake booster is integrated to allow series regenerative braking combined with ABS and stability control to optimize the braking system. The Mustang Mach-E 1400 is fitted with Brembo brakes, like the Mustang GT4 racing 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.

It is set to debut at a NASCAR race soon and will serve as a test bed for new materials. The bonnet is made of organic composite fibres, a lightweight alternative to the carbonfibre that is used on the rest of the bodywork.

Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype

The Ford Mustang is officially sold in Malaysia with full aftersales support and warranty. Visit www.sdacford.com.my to know more.

Ford Mustang is bestselling sportscar in the world – for the fifth consecutive year

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