Mexico-Built 2019 Ford Mustang Mach-E Is Sure To Spark Some Controversy

Mexico-Built 2019 Ford Mustang Mach-E Is Sure To Spark Some Controversy

Naming its first all-electric crossover the Mustang Mach-E is certainly a controversial decision for Ford, as the new model does not have much in common with the iconic pony car, besides some styling references. It鈥檚 the first time the Mustang name has been used on anything but a two-door car and Ford is hoping the nameplate will help its first all-electric SUV stand out from the competition. It鈥檚 a two-way street, however, since the move could also dilute the appeal of the nameplate if it proves unsuccessful. Mind you, chances are fans will eventually get over this if the 2021 Mustang Mach-E is good enough. U.S. buyers in general, and the Trump administration in particular, will not be thrilled to learn the new model will be made in Mexico, though. Related: Ford Mustang Mach-E Vs. Tesla Model Y - How Do They Compare? In March, Ford confirmed the electric crossover would be built at its plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico but that was before revealing it was going to be named the Mustang Mach-E. As CNBC points out, importing such an established American name to the U.S.

President Donald Trump鈥檚 tough stance on the new North American trade deal (USMCA) and on U.S. Mexico, China, and other places. Furthermore, the Mustang Mach-E will debut in the midst of a highly contentious election cycle, where automotive manufacturing jobs and plant locations will be high on the candidates鈥?agendas, particularly Donald Trump鈥檚. U.S. automakers have traditionally chosen to manufacturing iconic American vehicles such as Mustang, Corvette and Jeep Wrangler in the United States because it鈥檚 part of their appeal. However, one could argue that Ford has made the decision of building the 2021 Mustang Mach-E south of the border to keep the costs down. In the end, that should benefit U.S. Ford decides to pocket the savings instead of pursuing an aggressive pricing strategy. Either way, rival Tesla might jump at the chance to tell buyers that its EVs are made in the United States, while Ford鈥檚 electric crossover is not.

Credit for the extra 45 horsepower over the standard 4.6 can be attributed to high-flow four-valve heads, higher compression (10.1:1), specially calibrated camshafts and port-matched exhaust manifolds. A specially tuned stainless steel exhaust system finished off with chrome tips completes the upgrades. It sounds burly enough to wear "Mach 1" badges, but we would venture to guess that the original still holds a slight advantage in this area. Anyone who's acclimated to the standard 4.6 in the GT will notice the Mach 1's extra juice immediately. Unlike the revisions in the Bullitt Mustang that resulted in barely discernable differences in power, the Mach's substantial improvements return results you can feel. The Mach 1 is also aided by a shorter 3.55:1 final drive ratio, so sub-14 second quarter-mile times shouldn't be much of a problem. The Mach uses the same five-speed manual transmission found in the Bullitt, although a standard four-speed automatic is offered as well.

Suspension upgrades for the live axle Mach are nearly identical to those used on the Bullitt. Higher-rate front and rear springs lower the car half an inch, while specially tuned Tokico gas-pressurized shocks provide the dampening. The front stabilizer bar is carried over from the GT (23mm) while the rear gets a solid 23mm bar in place of GT's hollow unit. The Mach 1 also uses the same brake system upgrades as the Bullitt with 13-inch Brembo rotors and calipers (painted black) up front and slightly larger rear rotors (11.6 inches) as well. Not surprisingly, the Mach 1 performs much like the Bullitt, with a tighter, more stable feel in the corners and a slightly stiffer ride everywhere else. The beefier brakes are a welcomed improvement, but they're still not powerful enough for serious track duty as they faded considerably after repeated hot laps. Those gathered for our media preview drive recalled that the Bullitt seemed to feel more balanced on the track, but the Mach definitely has an edge when it comes to usable power.