Ford has recently announced its plans to develop an off-road version of the Mustang Mach-E called the Mustang Mach-E Rally. This new model is designed to cater to the needs and desires of automotive enthusiasts who are seeking more powerful and rugged electric vehicles. Ford’s decision follows in the footsteps of Volkswagen, who recently unveiled their ID.GTI, also targeting the enthusiast market.
The Mustang Mach-E Rally comes with a range of features that give it a distinctive and aggressive look. It boasts Shelby-like racing stripes on the hood, a black painted steel roof, upper and lower body moldings, a rear spoiler, and a front fascia housing rally-inspired fog lights. To ensure durability and functionality, Ford has also equipped the vehicle with a protective shield for the front and rear motors, as well as a recovery point in the front end with an included hook. This means that drivers can confidently take the Mach-E Rally off-road, knowing that they can be easily winched out of challenging situations.
Power and performance are also key aspects of the Mach-E Rally. Ford aims to deliver a minimum of 480 horsepower and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, which is equal to or even greater than the high-performance Mach-E GT. Moreover, the Mach-E Rally will have a raised suspension, with a 20mm increase compared to the Mach-E GT, and will be fitted with specialty-tuned springs and MagneRide shocks. It will also feature 385mm front brake rotors with red Brembo-branded calipers. As for the battery and range, Ford is targeting an estimated 250-mile EPA range with a 91kWh battery. The vehicle can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 36 minutes on a DC fast charger.
To enhance the off-road capabilities of the Mustang Mach-E Rally, Ford has introduced a new “RallySport Drive Mode.” This mode allows for larger slides, linear throttle response, and more aggressive damping when entering loose corners. It works in conjunction with the vehicle’s specialty-tuned tires, enabling the Mach-E Rally to perform well in adverse conditions such as snow and slippery roads. Ford conducted extensive testing on an all-new rally course at its Michigan proving ground and simulated 500-mile rally-cross durability trials to ensure the vehicle’s performance and reliability.
Despite its rally-focused design, the Mustang Mach-E Rally offers a high-tech interior packed with advanced features. It includes Ford’s latest BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, Lane Change Assist, In-Lane Repositioning, and more. The interior design retains the same dashboard display and large control screen found in the regular Mach-E models, with support for Android Auto and CarPlay. However, the Mach-E Rally adds performance seats, gloss white accents, and other Rally-specific design elements.
In terms of pricing, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is expected to have a starting MSRP of around $65,000 in the US. This places it in a similar price range to the base Mach-E GT Performance Edition. Ford plans to reveal the exact pricing closer to the vehicle’s launch, which is scheduled for early 2024.
In conclusion, Ford’s announcement of the Mustang Mach-E Rally demonstrates the growing focus on enthusiast versions of electric vehicles within the automotive industry. By combining off-road capabilities, impressive performance, and advanced technology, the Mach-E Rally aims to appeal to electric vehicle enthusiasts who seek a thrilling and rugged driving experience. With its distinctive design and innovative features, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is set to make a significant impact in the ever-expanding electric vehicle market.
