Just as the car evolved into various forms and roles over its more than 100-year history, it is now undergoing further evolution in the electric age. And with the Ford Mustang Mach-E, it is heading into rally territory… or rather being rally-inspired.
A year ago, Ford showed a possible variant of its Mustang Mach-E which, unlike all other Mustangs, is electrically powered. It is also presented as a SUV, rather than a sportscar. Response to the idea must have been very good to encourage Ford’s Model e group (which focuses on EVs) to put it in showrooms for sale.
As an addition to the Mustang Mach-E family, this new rally version has changes to its suspension that make it more capable for use on rougher ground. The ride height is 20 mm more the Mustang Mach-E GT’s and there are specially tuned springs, MagneRide shocks, and 385-mm front brake rotors with red-painted Brembo-branded calipers.
The durable, gloss white 19-inch rally-style alloy wheels, inspired by the long history of Ford rallycars, are fitted with 235/55 R19 Michelin CrossClimate2 tyres. These tyres have more sidewall for absorbing road shocks and better loose surface grip.
The Mach-E Rally has a similar 2-motor drivetrain as the GT version. But for this new version, the tuning is expected to take output to at least 480 ps and 880 Nm, transferred to the ground through all four wheels.
The Mach-E Rally has the first-ever RallySport Drive Mode from Ford, designed for off-road driving and allowing for added yaw for bigger slides, a linear throttle response for better control, and more aggressive damping for better handling in loose corners.
It also comes equipped with Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology. From the way Ford describes this autonomous motoring technology, it is an optional feature which will be present but only active upon paying a charge. However, customers will be able to experience it for 90 days free of charge.
The lithium-ion battery pack has a capacity of 91 kWh and Ford estimates charging time for 10% to 80% capacity to take 36.5 minutes with a DC fast-charger. The range is estimated to be 400 kms.
Looks-wise, the Mach-E Rally also looks the part with its large rear spoiler that takes inspiration from the Focus RS, unique contrasting accents, including upper and lower body moldings, a unique front splitter, black painted steel roof, and a purposeful front fascia that houses built-in rally-inspired fog lights.
The underside gets protective shielding for the front and rear motors, protective film on the door cladding and fender arches to help reduce paint chips. There’s also a recovery point built into the front end with a hook should those off-highway adventures be overdone.
Inside there’s a combination of comfort, functionality, with association to those iconic white wheels. There are gloss white accents on the dash, the lower spokes of the steering wheel and contrasting stitching on the doors. The front occupants will strap into Ford-designed performance seats that feature gloss white seatbacks, and MACH-E RALLY debossed into the seating surface.
“Mustang Mach-E Rally puts Ford’s decades of passion for rally championships around the world right in the hands of our customers.’ said Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO. “It takes Mustang where it hasn’t been before – to gravel and dirt roads. Inspired by true driving enthusiasts, a driving experience like never before for the pure joy of driving.”
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