Here are the wild stats behind Ford's 1,400bhp Super Mustang Pikes Peak racer
With 3.1 tonnes of downforce and 710kW of regenerative braking, this Mach-E ain't here to horse around
Skip 9 photos in the image carousel and continue reading
Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures.
1
/
9
After setting a Pikes Peak 'Open Class' record in 2023 with the SuperVan 4.2, and winning the thing outright last year with the F-150 Lightning Supertruck, Ford will take to the clouds once more this weekend with its bombastic new Super Mustang Mach-E.
Ford says it's "leaner, lighter and with a new kind of edge" over its predecessors, and as you'd expect, the numbers are terrifying. Take caution before proceeding.
Advertisement - Page continues below
This ripped Mach-E retains the same triple motor setup as Ford's previous two competitors, delivering upwards of 1,400bhp. Hooked up to that will be a 50kWh high-performance battery and sparkly 800V system.
Ford has also tweaked the regenerative braking, which now operates at up to 710kW. Mighty important, when you're traversing 156 turns across 12-something miles of mountain road.
And then there's the weight: the Super Mustang is 113kg lighter than the Supertruck, whose weight was never publicly disclosed, but likely far less than a standard F-150 Lightning's 2.7 tonnes.
On to downforce, where Ford quotes 3,130kg at 150mph. S'pose that's what happens when you've got a front splitter which wants to double-up as a snow plough, a rear diffuser that mimics a black hole, and… that rear wing.
Advertisement - Page continues below
Behind the wheel will be a familiar face in five-time Pikes Peak winner Romain Dumas. He's also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Spa and Nürburgring, so those are some properly safe hands. Reckon the SuperStang will be... handy?
Top Gear
Newsletter
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox.
Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Success Your Email*
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Top Gear
3 hours ago
- Top Gear
King of the Slammers: desert driving in the bonkers Ford Bronco El Bandito
What goes up, must come down, and there's no greater high than driving El Bandito... We're out in the high desert, 45 minutes or so from Las Vegas. Just over the hill there's a firing range and an old graveyard for military helicopters... all around it's sand, rock, wickedly jagged terrain, patches of spiky yucca and haunting Joshua trees. Soon the area will be torn up by the deranged Ford Bronco El Bandito and its 5.2-litre supercharged V8, which could drown out a raging firefight and a whole squadron of Black Hawks. But first we have to say hi to El Bandito's handlers and start capturing the photography and video required. 'So,' I begin. 'Um, do you think it might be possible – and it's fine if you can't – but maybe you could...' I'm prevaricating because what I'm about to say sounds completely absurd and I've only just met this guy. 'Well, this might be a bad idea. But, do you think you could jump it over my head?' There's silence for the blink of an eye before the answer comes with a grin. 'Sure, we can do that. There's a spot just over there that'll work.' And the tone for the day is set. Anything goes. I guess that shouldn't come as a surprise as El Bandito is an outlaw that doesn't conform to any ruleset, but draws heavily from the worlds of Ultra4 racing and its headline King of the Hammers event, plus the gruelling, evocative and plain bonkers Baja 1000. The idea that anything is too wild for these two off road motorsport events is pretty mind blowing, but El Bandito is, I guess, the ultimate all rounder. If your commute happens to take in rocks the size of a family hatchback, sand dunes, desert washboard and frequent flight, that is. Photography: Mark Fagelson The guy happy to leap around 2,500kg of truck over my head is Loren Healy and El Bandito is the product of his company, Fun-Haver Offroad, in conjunction with Ford. Healy has won King of the Hammers twice, is a five time Ultra4 champion and has victories on the Baja 1000, too. He's cool, laid back and incredibly enthusiastic. Later I'll find out his super relaxed persona changes to something akin to demonic possession when driving, but for now he just seems like the nicest guy on the planet. 'This thing is my dream Bronco project,' he says. 'And – I say this all the time – it's the most fun vehicle I've ever driven. There's just something about it.' There's a lot about it. So let's try to understand what's required to hit huge boulders at 70mph and not immediately die. Loren takes up the story. 'To me this is a whole mix of luxury pre-runner, an Ultra4 truck that would take on King of the Hammers, a Trophy Truck and a production Bronco.' We have different ideas of luxury – the Bandito doesn't have a windscreen or windows, let alone air conditioning and massage seats – but it's really that hardware that matters. So, the front mounted engine is the supercharged 5.2 V8 as seen in the Mustang GT500 or Raptor R but now fitted with a 3.8-litre Whipple blower and good for 1,000–1,100bhp. It drives through a 3spd TH400 transmission with manual lockout supplied by Gearworks and single speed transfer case built for monster truck applications. El Bandito is 4WD, which has become the preferred way in Baja in the last few years. Previously, mid-engined, RWD trucks were the weapon of choice. Rather amazingly, El Bandito was built up from a preproduction Bronco that had been used for durability testing. Bronco '55' was due to be crushed but Healy bought it for $1 and the project was born. What's left of 55? Not a huge amount. The doors, the dash architecture and the badges, I guess. But Ford is very serious about being 'the Porsche of off road', and many more production derived Broncos and Raptors are seeing huge success in off road events in North America. El Bandito, of course, goes one giant leap beyond.
Auto Blog
5 hours ago
- Auto Blog
The Hyundai Tucson PHEV isn't Going to Like the Ford Escape PHEV's All-Electric Range
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 'This is the second time we have purchased this outdoor storage model.' View post: Walmart Is Selling a 'Spacious' $340 Outdoor Storage Shed for Only $120, and Shoppers Say It's the 'Perfect Size' New Edmunds data shows that 1 in 4 trade-ins toward new cars had negative equity last quarter and buyers owe even more. View post: New Car Buyers Are Getting Trapped in This Scary Financial Situation The new CEO remained confident in his abilities when questioned by Wall Street analysts. View post: Walmart Is Selling a 'Reliable' $559 Power Station for Only $239, and Shoppers Say It's 'Easy to Use' Different styles with similar goals While both vehicles offer the convenience of plug-in hybrid efficiency, Ford gives the Escape PHEV a clear edge in pure EV driving. With an EPA‑estimated 37 miles of all-electric range, the Escape comfortably outpaces the Tucson PHEV's 33‑mile rating. That extra four miles may not sound like much, but for commuters who frequently rely on electric power alone, it can mean squeezing in another errand loop without dipping into the gas tank. 0:08 / 0:09 When will Toyota build an EV with its simulated manual transmission? Watch More The Tucson PHEV still shines with Hyundai's polished interior and refined ride quality, but in this spec-for-spec showdown, the Escape PHEV makes a stronger case for those who want to maximize electric miles before the engine kicks in. Here's the biggest difference between the two: the Hyundai Tucson PHEV has standard all-wheel drive (AWD), while the Ford Escape PHEV doesn't even offer AWD. Additionally, the Ford utilizes an eCVT, whereas the Hyundai employs a six-speed automatic. Externally, they look nothing alike. Ford kept the swoopy, rounded design that feels like an evolution of the Focus and Fusion, with gentle curves and soft edges. Hyundai, on the other hand, went bold and aggressive, using sharp lines, geometric slashes, and angular detailing that almost looks like it came from a concept car. It's rare to see exterior designs this diametrically opposed in the same segment, but here we are. Ford clearly wants the Escape PHEV to feel familiar, approachable, and more like a practical family crossover. Hyundai aims for something edgier and more futuristic, which gives the Tucson PHEV more visual personality. However, styling isn't the only area where they differ. Here's what else sets these two apart. 2025 Ford Escape PHEV – Base MSRP: $37,400 Ford Escape PHEV — Source: Ford The Escape PHEV combines a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with an electric motor, resulting in a total of 210 horsepower. This power is paired with an eCVT (Electronic Continuously Variable Transmission) that utilizes a planetary gearset to balance power from both the gas and electric systems. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. All‑electric range: 37 miles Fuel economy: 40 mpg combined / 105 MPGe Battery: 4.4 kWh lithium‑ion Charging: ~3.5 hours on Level 2 (240V), ~10.5 hours on a household outlet The interior is comfortable and practical, if a bit plain. There's plenty of rear seat space, and seat comfort is better than average. A 13.2‑inch SYNC 4 touchscreen sits prominently on the center stack. Cargo space is substantial, with 34.4 cu-ft behind the rear seats, expanding to 60.8 cu-ft with the seats folded down. Ford Escape PHEV — Source: Ford Driving the Ford Escape PHEV Driving the Escape PHEV is calm and easygoing. The handoff between EV and gas power is smooth and nearly seamless, making it a great commuter. Acceleration is adequate, though under heavy throttle, you'll hear the engine—like a background noise you can't quite ignore. Handling is competent, but not engaging. It's tuned for comfort, not sporty driving. Since it doesn't offer AWD, it's not ideal for poor weather or rougher terrain, even though it sits slightly higher than a typical hatchback. 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV – Base MSRP: $39,730 2025 Hyundai Tucson PHEV — Source: Hyundai The Tucson PHEV pairs a 1.6‑liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a combined 261 horsepower. Unlike the Escape, it features a 6-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with AWD. All‑electric range: 33 miles Fuel economy: 35 mpg combined Battery: 13.8 kWh lithium‑ion polymer Charging: ~2 hours on Level 2 (240V), ~6–10 hours on a household outlet Inside, the Tucson feels more premium. Seats are nicely bolstered and comfortable, and the design is more modern and upscale. Dual 12.3‑inch digital screens dominate the cabin, with crisp graphics and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Rear seating is roomy, though cargo space is slightly tighter at 31.9 cu‑ft behind the rear seats, maxing out at 66.3 cu‑ft with the seats folded. 2025 Hyundai Tucson — Source: Hyundai Driving the Hyundai Tucson PHEV Compared to the Escape, the Tucson PHEV feels more powerful and engaging. It has more torque, better acceleration, and thanks to e‑handling technology, it can shift torque between the rear wheels during cornering for better grip. Ride quality is refined and stable, with good steering feedback for a plug‑in crossover. The downsides? A slight lag from the turbo engine and a bit of hesitation when switching from EV to gas power. Still, it feels more athletic and confident on the road than the Escape. Final thoughts This comparison really comes down to value vs. driving engagement. The Ford Escape PHEV is more affordable, offers longer EV range, and is the better choice for pure efficiency—but it lacks AWD and driving excitement. The Hyundai Tucson PHEV is more powerful, better equipped for all-weather conditions, and feels more premium inside, but it's pricier and slightly less efficient. Both are solid picks, but they serve slightly different needs. A back-to-back test drive will make it clear which one fits your lifestyle better.
Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Iconic carmaker urgently recalls 690,000 motors over ‘fuel leak' that could spark a fire – is yours at risk?
Nearly 700,000 motors have been hit by the recall SCREECHING HALT Iconic carmaker urgently recalls 690,000 motors over 'fuel leak' that could spark a fire – is yours at risk? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ICONIC carmaker has recalled hundreds of thousands of motors over fears they could spark fires and your car could be affected. The car giant was forced to issue the recall after a fuel system issue came to light. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Concerns have been raised over an issue with the motor's fuel injectors Credit: Getty Ford issued a recall of nearly 700,000 motors after concerns were raised around cracked fuel injectors. The firm issued a notice to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). It confirmed that the issue leading to the recall centred on a cracked fuel injector. Serious concerns were raised that the damaged injector could lead to a fuel leak which in turn could lead to fires erupting from the vehicles. The issue affects Ford Escape and Ford Bronco Sport models with a total of 694,271 cars hit by the notice. Ford Escapes made between 2020 and 2022 and Ford Bronco Sports made between 2021 and 2024 are reportedly affected by the recall. It is the latest in a string of recalls issued by the American motor firm this year. The fuel injector issue is reportedly only affecting American vehicles with the Ford Bronco Sport not officially sold in the UK. Bronco Sports and Ford Escapes equipped with 1.5 litre engines are being hit by the recall. The NHTSA report said: 'Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Bronco Sport and 2020-2022 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.5L engines. Ford sued by family over 'failure' to warn public about deadly defect in one of brand's most popular trucks 'A fuel injector may crack and leak fuel inside the engine compartment. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire. 'The remedy is currently under development. As an interim repair, dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. 'Owner notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed August 18, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available." Ford mechanics are yet to find a long term fix for the problem but a free temporary software update, expected to address the issue, is due to be offered up. 3 Ford escapes made between 2020 and 2022 have been hit by the recall Credit: Getty 3 The American firm is working on a solution to the issue Credit: Getty Owners will reportedly be notified when a final solution to the problem has been found. Ford owners can check if their motor has been affected in the recall online. Both Ford and the government offer this service with motorists urged to check their registration plate using the online service. The American car firm has reportedly been looking into issues with cracked fuel injectors since 2022. According to the NHTSA report the company's field review committee approved recalls in November 2022, March 2024 and March 2025. Concerns were raised that if fuel leaks from a cracked injector into a hot engine compartment it could spark a blaze. The Sun has contacted Ford for comment.
