Ford to introduce off-road variant of the Mustang Mach-E
Ford is adding a new variant to its all-electric Mustang Mach-E production model. With a rally-inspired chassis and higher ground clearance, the new Mustang Mach-E Rally is designed to be Ford’s “first-ever rally-inspired EV”.
As an electric SUV, the Mustang Mach-E has so far been optimised more for the road, with the GT a high-performance road version announced right at launch. The Mustang Mach-E Rally is now to make the model off-road capable with some adjustments to the chassis and the tuning of the drive – at least for light off-road, but then with a sporty driving style.
The technical basis is provided by the 358 kW Mustang Mach-E GT with its two electric drives on the front and rear axles. In terms of maximum torque, the new rally version gets a bonus: Ford is aiming for around 880 Newton metres. In the Mach-E GT it is 860 Nm. The usable capacity of the battery is 91 kilowatt-hours.
The RallySport Drive Mode, used for the first time, is supposed to offer a “more aggressive damping for better handling in loose corners” – the electronic control systems here are optimised for driving on loose surfaces, allowing for larger drift angles. A special suspension with MagneRide shock absorbers and appropriately adapted springs increases the ground clearance by 20 millimetres. The tyres (Michelin CrossClimate 2 on rally-inspired and white-painted 19-inch rims) are also not those of the GT, but were chosen for use on gravel tracks.
In terms of looks, the Rally stands out with its own front skirt and the aforementioned white rims. Mud flaps and a “dramatic rear spoiler that takes inspiration from the Focus RS, unique contrasting accents” are also available as options to round off the “exciting appearance”.
“Just a year ago, this was merely an idea, and what you see today is a testament to the passion and intense creativity of our Model e team,” reminisced Donna Dickson, Chief Engineer of the Mustang Mach-E range. “We have always explored new areas of performance, and the combination of a rally-tuned suspension, dual motor electric powertrain, and wicked styling makes the Mustang Mach‑E Rally a different kind of performance vehicle that will excite customers chasing their next adventure.”
The first Mustang Mach-E Rally is expected to roll out to customers shortly after orders begin in spring 2024 – but Ford is not yet quoting prices. It is explicitly a “new production model variant of the Mustang Mach-E series” and not a limited special model.
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