Ford teases all-electric performance crossover
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 7th Sep 2018
FORD has revealed a single teaser image of its upcoming all-electric SUV, which draws design inspiration from the popular Mustang sportscar.
Set to arrive globally in 2020, the as-yet-unnamed vehicle looks to borrow rear-end styling from the Mustang, as shown by a shaded sketch posted on the Blue Oval’s website.
The sketch shows the same three-striped tail-light signature as Australia’s best-selling sportscar, while the muscular rear haunches, sloping roofline and subtle lip spoiler also suggest similarities to the Mustang.
Front and side styling is still unknown, but chances are it will retain a face similar to the Mustang, with wide-set horizontal headlights, a tapered bonnet and sporty bumpers.
No technical details have been revealed of the concept, aside from it being all-electric with a reported driving range of 300 miles (483km).
Ford originally planned to name the concept Mach 1, as an ode to the performance-fettled Mustangs of the 1960s and 70s, however the idea was dropped after backlash from fans.
Speaking to American publication Automotive News, Ford president of global markets Jim Farley said the name elicited “a very strong reaction from people”, and was subsequently dropped.
The Mustang SUV is expected to be built on a new modular platform dedicated exclusively to future electric cars.
Ford has announced plans to invest $US11 billion ($A15.3b) to bring 16 pure EVs to market by 2022, as part of a portfolio of 40 electrified offerings.
EV development for the brand will be spearheaded by a recently-formed project called Team Edison, which will also oversee electric vehicles for luxury brand Lincoln.
According to Team Edison global product development director Darren Palmer, the team is leading a “shift in mindset” that is spurring change in Ford.
“There isn’t a ton of historical data to look at for electric vehicles — meaning you can’t just look back at what happened before and use that as inspiration for what to do next,” he said.
“The world is fundamentally shifting, and we have to listen more than ever to really understand our customers and how they are evolving.
“Electric vehicle customers are buying into the future and our team is 100 percent focused on not only delivering vehicles they will love, but providing an entire electric vehicle ecosystem that works flawlessly.”
