Ford unveils all-electric, six-speed manual Mustang at SEMA 2019

Ford engineers have joined forces with auto electrical outfit Webasto to debut a one-off, 671kW electric Ford Mustang at the 2019 SEMA Show.

According to the American carmaker’s press release, the Mustang Lithium can draw over 1356Nm of torque from an 800-volt battery system and dual-core motor.

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As a unique tribute to the Mustang’s driver-oriented pedigree, the collaborators chose a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission in place of the automatics typically favoured by EVs. Ford Performance’s Track Handling Pack also made the cut, along with Shelby GT350R six-pot Brembo brakes nestled behind 20-inch Forgeline wheels.

Much like the current crop of consumer-purchasable Mustangs, several torque-modulating drive modes are available on the Lithium, ranging from ‘Valet’ to ‘Beast’.

Don’t hold your breath for a six-cog electric Mustang to appear at your local dealership, though. According to Ford’s chief product development and purchasing officer Hau Thai-Tang, the one-of-one prototype was built to showcase “what new electrified powertrains can do for performance in a car they already know and love.” For now, road-going Mustangs will continue to drink unleaded juice.

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Despite being best described as a concept car, the Mustang Lithium fits neatly with Ford’s projected lineup over the next few years. Ford’s all-electric range will kick off with their Mustang-inspired SUV, due to be revealed on November 17 for a 2020 release.

Longer-term products such as the slated battery-powered F-150 will also likely use technology gleaned from the unique Lithium - even if in an arguably less extreme form.