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We've just captured compelling new Mach-E prototypes testing on Ford’s Dearborn test track, raising many questions of what’s in store for Ford’s EV lineup.
Significantly Lifted
The new Mach-E Mustang prototypes are significantly lifted, with the middle side sill sitting about mid-tire, instead of the rather low-slung stance that defines the normal production models. The ride-height on these new prototypes is clearly designed for more ground clearance in mind.
Wider Track
The prototype seems to have enhanced fender flares underneath its graphic camouflage, and the tires seem to stick beyond the bodywork, suggesting a wider track.
Disguised Suspension
The prototypes sport thoroughly disguised underbodies, suggesting the Mach-E’s standard suspension set up is not employed here. Sweeper-style camo hangs below the rear bumper, hiding the rear suspension, while a long flap hangs down along the full-length of the prototypes’ wheelbase. The suspension disguise utilizes the same strategy used on 2022 F-150 Raptor prototypes, when Ford was trying to hide the move to its new coil-spring suspension. We’re not sure what suspension set-up resides underneath the high-riding Mach-E prototypes, but Ford clearly wants to keep it from prying eyes.
Raptor Leanings, or Something Else?
The wide-track, high-riding design would suggest something off-road-focused, with tantalizing Raptor overtones, but there are incongruities that keep us guessing. The tires appear to be Toyo H/T II Open Country rubber, which are skewed to on-road performance—perhaps as a nod to the low-rolling-resistance requirements of an efficient EV. There’s no sign of off-road-ready Bridgestone KO2s to really cement Raptor-spec intent. These are clearly early prototypes, so perhaps new tires will appear to help guide the speculation.
Longer Wheelbase On Display? First Signs Of Rivian Development?
The rear tires appear to rest unnaturally off-center in the wheel arches—shifted further toward the rear bumper. If that impression is accurate, we’re dealing with a longer wheelbase, and this may be the first signs of a mule for an all-new EV not related to the Mach-E. This could be the first look at Ford’s work adapting Rivian’s EV platform for an electric SUV that isn’t beholden to exist within the Mustang family, and its performance-minded application.
Significantly Lifted
The new Mach-E Mustang prototypes are significantly lifted, with the middle side sill sitting about mid-tire, instead of the rather low-slung stance that defines the normal production models. The ride-height on these new prototypes is clearly designed for more ground clearance in mind.
Wider Track
The prototype seems to have enhanced fender flares underneath its graphic camouflage, and the tires seem to stick beyond the bodywork, suggesting a wider track.
Disguised Suspension
The prototypes sport thoroughly disguised underbodies, suggesting the Mach-E’s standard suspension set up is not employed here. Sweeper-style camo hangs below the rear bumper, hiding the rear suspension, while a long flap hangs down along the full-length of the prototypes’ wheelbase. The suspension disguise utilizes the same strategy used on 2022 F-150 Raptor prototypes, when Ford was trying to hide the move to its new coil-spring suspension. We’re not sure what suspension set-up resides underneath the high-riding Mach-E prototypes, but Ford clearly wants to keep it from prying eyes.
Raptor Leanings, or Something Else?
The wide-track, high-riding design would suggest something off-road-focused, with tantalizing Raptor overtones, but there are incongruities that keep us guessing. The tires appear to be Toyo H/T II Open Country rubber, which are skewed to on-road performance—perhaps as a nod to the low-rolling-resistance requirements of an efficient EV. There’s no sign of off-road-ready Bridgestone KO2s to really cement Raptor-spec intent. These are clearly early prototypes, so perhaps new tires will appear to help guide the speculation.
Longer Wheelbase On Display? First Signs Of Rivian Development?
The rear tires appear to rest unnaturally off-center in the wheel arches—shifted further toward the rear bumper. If that impression is accurate, we’re dealing with a longer wheelbase, and this may be the first signs of a mule for an all-new EV not related to the Mach-E. This could be the first look at Ford’s work adapting Rivian’s EV platform for an electric SUV that isn’t beholden to exist within the Mustang family, and its performance-minded application.
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