This trademarked “Hooligan” mode could soon be added to Ford EVs via a software update.
As we know, EVs aren’t typically associated with some sort of hooliganism. With their sophisticated computers keeping the motor and battery away from excessive slaughter, it’s rather rare for one to abuse the instantaneous power and torque and enjoy a private Gymkhana session. However, Ford has just been spotted filing a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a burnout mode.
Considering the illustrations of the Mustang Mach-E doing burnouts attached to the submission file, it should likely be the first model to receive this interesting update. But this isn’t an entirely new invention from the brand, as Ford has implemented a similar feature (Line-Lock) on the Mustang since 2015, allowing you to do a rear-wheel burnout by only activating the front brakes, so you can heat up the rear tires before a drag race.
Interestingly, the patent application form mentions a sequential maneuver causing both the front and rear axle to spin, so we can safely assume the feature will encourage four-wheel burnouts. As you may expect, the patent specifies the feature will be strictly for track use and only for tire heating purposes (yeah, right).
But the main point is that Ford claims this mode could be possible even with the current hardware, so only a simple software update would be necessary.
No need to say that this is thrilling news for car enthusiasts who do appreciate the Mach-E’s impressive performance numbers but miss being able to go a little off the rails from time to time — EVs are definitely not the craziest vehicles on the roads nowadays, despite boasting quite solid 0-60 times.
Unfortunately, if you live in Australia, we’re afraid you may feel a slight bummer since this feature could be illegal there, considering that the fastback Mustang‘s Line-Lock is also banned.
That said, Ford has actually experimented with this feature in its latest 1,400 hp AWD drift machine, the Mustang Mach-E 1400 Prototype. From the footage, the electric crossover does seem to love going sideways while burning all four tires simultaneously. Additionally, a similar four-wheel drift mode can also be found in the recently discontinued Ford Focus RS. Hence, seeing the company’s track record, this burnout mode could surely put a smile back on a lot of people’s faces who’ve, until now, been left disappointed with EV lineups currently on offer and slowly but surely replacing their beloved ICE-powered models.
Unfortunately, Ford hasn’t announced when will this drive mode is expected to be released. But one thing is for sure; it will be available in its EV lineup soon.
