Ford has unveiled a special-edition Mustang Mach-E at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. This rally-inspired version of the electric vehicle (EV) will be available for order in the US and Europe later this year.
While specific details and images of the Mustang Mach-E Rally have not been released, Ford has revealed that the EV will be a true off-roader with a focus on speed and performance. This aligns with the demanding terrain of the Goodwood Festival, known for its hilly tracks. According to Darren Palmer, Vice President of Electric Vehicle Programs at Ford Model E, the Mustang Mach-E Rally will provide customers with “the freedom to venture off the asphalt and beyond the beaten path.”
Ford already offers GT and GT Performance versions of the Mustang Mach-E, so it will be interesting to see how the rally version stands out. It is expected to feature a performance boost over the Performance GT’s 480 horsepower, 634 pound-feet of torque, and 3.5-second zero to 60mph time. Other possible enhancements include different wheel sizes, improved brakes, and performance-rated tire treads.
The decision to put the Mustang Mach-E Rally into production comes as a surprise, considering Ford’s history of producing one-off electric vehicles. In 2019, the company introduced an electric Mustang with a six-speed manual gearbox, but it remained a concept car. However, Ford seems to be embracing the rally version’s potential and recognizing the demand for off-road performance in the EV market.
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is being driven by Ott Tänak, a prominent figure in the rally world. Tänak is currently the driver of the M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1 entry and a former World Rally champion. This signifies Ford’s commitment to showcasing the rally capabilities of the Mustang Mach-E and aligning it with professional rally drivers.
Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, also participated in the festival’s hill climb event this year. Behind the wheel of a Mach-E Cobra Jet 1400, Farley demonstrated the power and performance of Ford’s electric vehicle lineup. Ford’s success with its electric vehicles extends beyond the Mustang Mach-E, as the company recently won the open class at Pikes Peak with a modified version of its electric Transit van.
The introduction of the Mustang Mach-E Rally further solidifies Ford’s position in the electric vehicle market. By offering a performance-oriented EV designed for off-road adventures, Ford taps into the growing demand for rugged electric vehicles. This move not only showcases Ford’s electric vehicle technology but also demonstrates the brand’s commitment to catering to different customer needs and preferences.
As Ford prepares to release the Mustang Mach-E Rally to the market, consumers can anticipate the thrill of driving an electric vehicle that combines the power and performance of a rally car with the eco-friendliness of an EV. Whether it’s conquering rocky terrain or enjoying the open road, the Mustang Mach-E Rally promises an exhilarating driving experience that breaks free from traditional EV stereotypes.
