Ford unveils all-electric crate motor F-100 concept
Ford today previewed what is says is the future of electrified custom vehicles with the reveal of the all-electric F-100 Eluminator concept – a zero-tailpipe-emissions demonstration truck powered by the all-new Ford Performance Parts Eluminator electric crate motor that customers can now buy online.
Based on a heritage 1978 F-100 pickup, the F-100 Eluminator concept features all-wheel drive via electric motors shared with the 2021 Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition. Two electric traction motors drive the front and rear wheels, producing 480 hp (357 kW) and 634 ft-lb (860 Nm) of torque. Eluminator is the first e-crate motor from Ford Performance Parts.
“Ford owners have personalised, customised and enhanced their vehicles since the beginning – from changing looks to bringing the power,” said Eric Cin, Global Director, Vehicle Personalization, Accessories and Licensing. “Our F-100 Eluminator concept is a preview of how we’re supporting customers as they go all-electric and embrace zero-tailpipe emissions performance, even for our heritage vehicles.”
The F-100 Eluminator concept, designed and created by Ford Performance, was built in collaboration with MLe Racecars and sits on a custom chassis by the Roadster Shop. It’s painted in Avalanche Gray with Cerakote Copper accents applied by Brand X Customs, while the interior features a billet aluminium dash by JJR Fabrication and avocado-tanned leather upholstery by MDM Upholstery. It’s fitted with custom 19×10-inch billet aluminum three-piece wheels by Forgeline wrapped in Michelin Latitude Sport 275/45-19 high-performance tyres.
The Eluminator e-crate motor is the first of what will become a growing portfolio of performance parts and accessories for Ford electric vehicles.
Part No. M-9000-MACH-E, the e-crate motor is now available at authorised Ford parts warehouse dealers or online at Ford Performance Parts. Retailing at US$3,900 (A$5,236), it is targeted to builders looking for a transverse-oriented powertrain to electrify a range of vehicles from modern to vintage cars, trucks and SUVs. Each Eluminator e-crate motor produces 281 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque and is street-legal in all 50 US states.
Over time, Ford Performance plans to develop a wider list of components for the Eluminator powertrain with some of the leading performance manufacturers, including battery systems, controllers and traction inverters to close the loop on full turnkey aftermarket electrification solutions.
With the push toward electrification, several electric-powered vehicles on display at the Ford SEMA Show set, booth No. 22200, include the 1,400-horsepower electric Mustang Mach-E 1400 demo, driven by Vaughn Gittin Jr in smoke-filled, tyre-thrashing exhibition rides at Ford Out Front at Las Vegas Convention Center.
The first all-electric 2022 F-150 Lightning is also on display, along with a factory Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition next to the all-electric F-100 Eluminator concept. Three custom Mustang Mach-E creations include a prototype from Shelby American, showing could come from the legendary Ford racing collaborator. Jim Osborn, former pro SCCA racer and founder of the Austin Hatcher Foundation, is preparing their custom Mustang Mach-E GT build to run at the Bonneville Speed Week next summer with the goal of being the first Mustang Mach-E to top the 200-mph (322 km/h) mark.
Last weekend, Ford’s Mustang Cobra Jet 1400, an electric-powered exhibition dragster prepared by Ford Performance and MLe Racecars, demonstrated its pace at the NHRA Nationals in Las Vegas.
“The fact is, electric performance is fun, and as the industry moves toward electric vehicles, motorsports and the performance aftermarket will too,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance. “Just as Ford is committed to leading the electric revolution on the product side, Ford Performance is equally committed to winning on the performance and motorsports front.”