Everything Electric: Can an EV Be a True Muscle Car?
Also: Mustang Mach-E GTs go the distance, Land Rover’s Defender turns a page, BMW turns it up, and one auto designer turns it on its head.
This week’s round-up of news sees major automakers making bold moves. Dodge has embraced electric, finally. As one would expect, they’re bringing the power. Land Rover is building a hydrogen-powered Defender prototype. BMW is giving their EVs a new soundtrack. The Tesla Model S Plaid has a crazy launch. And automotive designer Emre Husmen reimagines Mercedes EQR hyperwagon.
Dodge Developing Electric Muscle Car?
It is no secret that Dodge has been resistant to embrace e-mobility. Which certainly makes sense, given this is an automaker deeply defined by muscle cars and brute internal combustion engines. However, it seems that the company is looking at how to embrace electrification while maintaining its core identity.
The Detroit Bureau recently reported that Dodge is currently working on building a battery-powered car that would be its fastest model ever. Given how deeply potent the Charger and Challenger are, that is a seriously high-bar. Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler) are developing six all-electric vehicles in addition to one plug-in hybrid.
As a concept, it is intriguing. But we’re just not sure if a high-performance muscle EV will work. Wait and see.
Mustang Mach-E GT & GT Performance Edition Best Mileage Targets
Ford announced today that its sportiest Mustang Mach-Es yet, the Mach-E GT and Mach-E GT Performance Edition, have final EPA-estimated ranges. And both bested Ford’s initial mileage targets. Ford initially thought the Mustang Mach-E GT, which can run to 60mph in 3.8 seconds, would have a range of 250 miles, but the EPA certified the GT at 270 miles. The even quicker GT Performance Edition, which hits 60mph in 3.5 seconds, has an EPA estimated range of 260 miles, 25 more miles than Ford’s initial targeting.
Both Mustang Mach-E GTs offer 480 hp, but the GT Performance Edition gets 634 lb.-ft. of torque (34 more than the standard GT) which improves performance. For those less familiar with Mustangs, that’s the same horsepower as the current V8-powered Mach 1 and more torque than the supercharged V8-powered Shelby GT500, which is the quickest Mustang ever.
The Mustang Mach-E GT starts at $59,900, with the GT Performance Edition carrying a $5,000 premium for its extra power, Pirelli summer tires (booo!), and MagneRide suspension components. Ford expects deliveries to begin this fall.
Land Rover Defender EV Prototype
Jaguar Land Rover is developing a prototype hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) based on the new Land Rover Defender. Testing is scheduled to begin later this year. The FCEV concept is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s aim to achieve zero tailpipe emissions by 2036.
Named “Project Zeus,” the concept is partly funded by the UK government-backed Advanced Propulsion Center. No word on if the Defender will be a one-off concept or a new addition to the the lineup.
BMW Makes Some Noise
BMW is collaborating with Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer to produce a distinctive driving sound specially for electric M cars. Give it a listen.
Ready For Take-Off
Tesla recently introduced their fastest car to date in the new Model S Plaid. And while it boasts impressive specs, how does translate to the real world?
Whoa. Okay, that is amazing. We’re still on the fence about that steering yoke, though.
The Art of Electricity
Automotive designer Emre Husmen designs rides that are fascinating and masterful. Husmen’s interpretation of electric vehicles is especially inspired. His recent render of a Mercedes-AMG EQR “hyperwagon” took our breath away.
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Check more of these incredible rides on his website.
Photos: Stellantis; Jaguar Land Rover; Emre Husman/Behance