I really want to drive this one — Ford gives an EV some dirt-road skills with new Mustang Mach-E Rally Ford adds chunky tires and protective shielding, plus a new rallysport drive mode.
Jonathan M. Gitlin – Sep 7, 2023 10:00 am UTC Enlarge / Ford’s latest Mach-E variant is designed for fun on or off the tarmac.Ford reader comments 0 with
Ford has a long and successful history with rallying, having won numerous races with motorsport-modified versions of more mundane machines like the Escort, Sierra, and Fiesta. Now it’s applying some of that know-how to the electric Mustang Mach-E with a new version that goes on sale early next year, the Mustang Mach-E Rally.
Until now, the Mustang Mach-E was the one to purchase if you were looking for some fun, particularly if you opted for the $64,900 Performance Edition, which comes with magnetorheological dampers and better tires. Ford reckons the Mach-E Rally will cost about the same as that version, and it, too, rides on those magnetic fluid-filled dampers, together with new springs that give it a 20 mm higher ride height than the Mach-E GT. Enlarge / The rear wing is inspired by the Ford Focus RS, and all Mach-E Rallys will have a black-painted roof. Ford
There are big front brake discs and 19-inch wheels shod in Michelin CrossClimate2 tires that have bigger sidewalls (and therefore absorb more bumps) than the 20-inch wheels and tires fitted to the GT. Ford has also added some underbody shielding to protect the front and rear motors from rocks, and there’s protective film to help prevent stone chips on the doors and wheel arches. Advertisement
Maximum power is the same as the GT at 480 hp (358 kW), but torque seems to be increased to 650 lb-ft (881 Nm). The two motors are fed by a 91 kWh (useable capacity) battery pack, which is slightly more energy storage capacity than the GT. But don’t expect a longer rangeFord estimates that the Mach-E Rally will have an EPA range of about 250 miles (402 km).
To make the most of dirt roads, Ford has programmed a new RallySport drive mode, which allows for more yaw before the electronic nannies intervene, and which offers a more linear throttle map, plus more aggressive damping. Enlarge / There’s some extra ride height, and the dampers are tuned for bumpy gravel roads.Ford
There’s a unique front splitter and a new fascia for the Mach-E Rally, which sports factory racing stripes and can be painted some striking colors, like Grabber Blue or Grabber Yellow (pictured). The white-painted wheels are another rally-inspired touch.
“Mustang Mach-E Rally puts Fords decades of passion for rally championships around the world right in the hands of our customers,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley. “It takes Mustang where it hasnt been beforeto gravel and dirt roads. Inspired by true driving enthusiasts, a driving experience like never before for the pure joy of driving.” reader comments 0 with Jonathan M. Gitlin Jonathan is the Automotive Editor at Ars Technica. He has a BSc and PhD in Pharmacology. In 2014 he decided to indulge his lifelong passion for the car by leaving the National Human Genome Research Institute and launching Ars Technica’s automotive coverage. He lives in Washington, DC. Advertisement Channel Ars Technica ← Previous story Related Stories Today on Ars