2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT ridealong: Electric heavy orchestra

Ford is turning the wick up on its all-electric Mustang Mach-E with this new GT model.

Available with 480 horsepower and up to 634 pound-feet of torque, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT is available in two distinct flavors.

This Cyber Orange example is the Performance Edition, which hits 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds -- nearly as quick as the Mustang GT500 coupe with its supercharged V8.

Lesser GT models feature the same 480 hp paired with slightly less torque -- 600 pound feet. That's still a ton of twist. 0-60 happens in a slightly slower 3.8 seconds.

We got an exclusive ridealong on Ford's toughest and tightest test track and it was so quick and gripped so hard that it actually made us nauseous. 

The GT's cabin is very similar to the base Mach-E, with changes including available sport seats with copper stitching, faux-suede inserts and a few badges. A few more model-specific touches would help make the GT feel even more distinct and special.

You can spot a GT on the road by its carbon-finish "grille" insert. There's not actually any flow-through holes for airflow, but it does look more aggressive. Down below, a more aggressive front splitter is bookended by a pair of air curtains.

On GT models, the pony emblem illuminates so you can spot one more easily at night.

Active grille shutters automatically open when extra cooling is called for.

The GT's range between charges varies between 250 miles for the base GT to 235 for the Performance Edition, which has stickier tires.

Ford has sunk the 88-kWh battery pack into floor of the chassis to help keep the Mach-E GT glued to the ground. Despite being an SUV with a taller roof, Ford's Dave Pericak says this model's center of gravity is nearly the same as a gas-powered Mustang coupe.

Ford's steering and handling course is designed to expose a car's handling weaknesses and includes a lot of up-and-down sine waves and even some sections where the wheels leave the ground when a performance vehicle is driven in anger.

The Performance Edition is fitted with Magneride magnetorheological dampers which automatically adjust between firm and soft depending on driving conditions.

Those trick dampers help disguise how heavy this vehicle is. A base Mach-E can weigh nearly 5,000 pounds and, with its bigger wheels and tires and added equipment, it wouldn't be surprising if this GT is heavier still.

A new GT-only drive mode, Unbridled Extend, is designed for track use only, but there's nothing preventing anyone from activating this mode on the street, aside from common sense.

Unbridled Extend ensures you have more power for longer durations on track, plus it loosens up the Mach-E's electronic safety net so you can hang the tail out and have a bit more control.

The new mode includes a unique powertrain soundtrack pumped into the cabin that's louder than other modes -- good news if you're wearing a helmet.

If you're just planning on drag racing and don't need max power for more than short durations, standard Unbridled mode might still be your best bet.

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The suspension has been lowered by 10 millimeters, so the GT looks at once meaner and significantly less SUV-like. Body-colored wheel arches and gloss-black rocker panels further this impression.

Yep, there's a badge on the back.

Unique 20-inch cross-lace alloys are standard on the Performance Edition and they do a nice job of showing off the larger 15.4-inch front brakes and Brembo calipers. 

The Mach-E GT comes standard with all-wheel drive. If you don't need grips-at-all-fours traction, lesser models are available in rear-wheel-drive configurations.

The new 2021 Mach-E GT hits dealers in late summer, with pricing starting at $61,000 ($59,900 MSRP plus $1,100 delivery fee). A Performance Edition like this starts at $66,000 including delivery. Both models will be eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit.

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