If the Ford Mustang ever goes full electric, a car that debuted Nov. 5 at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas might give a few clues to the mechanical layout and performance, and give a peek at the electric motor through polycarbonate windows on the hood.
The Mustang Lithium, created by supplier Webasto SE — a Germany supplier best known for its sunroofs — features a 900-horsepower electric motor that sends power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. It features an 800-volt battery pack designed by Webasto and slotted in the floor of the car.
Ford says the car will be used to test battery and thermal management technologies both companies are working on.
"Very similar to Ford's push for vehicle electrification, this is an innovative way to further the technologies we're developing to enable vehicle electrification while creating a vision of how cool the future of electric performance can be," said Mark Denny, president of Webasto Customized Solutions North America.
The car has carbon fiber custom body components and Webasto created a hood that includes see-through PC strips, which allow admirers to view the engine.
Major performance figures, including the driving range between charges, were not disclosed.
Webasto set a target three years ago to develop a new electric vehicle focus, including charging stations and battery systems. It recently opened an 11 million euro ($12.1 million) production line in Schierling, Germany, to make batteries.
