Ford has been making waves in the electric vehicle market with its Mustang Mach-E, a crossover that combines the iconic name and style of the pony car with the efficiency and performance of an EV. But Ford is not content with just making a street-oriented electric SUV; it wants to take it to the next level with the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally, a rally-inspired version that can handle dirt, gravel, and mud with ease.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is not just a cosmetic upgrade; it is a comprehensive overhaul of the Mach-E GT Performance, the most powerful variant of the electric SUV. Ford has tweaked the powertrain, suspension, brakes, tires, and bodywork to create a unique vehicle that can tackle any terrain.
Powertrain and Performance
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally uses the same dual-motor setup as the Mach-E GT Performance but with some enhancements. The rear motor has been upgraded to deliver more torque, resulting in a total output of 480 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The battery pack has also been optimized to provide more consistent power delivery over longer periods of time. Ford claims that the Mach-E Rally can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, matching the acceleration of some sports cars.
However, the increased performance comes at a cost of range. The Mach-E Rally has an estimated range of 250 miles on a single charge, which is 10 miles less than the Mach-E GT Performance. Ford says that this was a deliberate choice, as most Mach-E owners drive less than 30 miles per day on average. The battery can be recharged from 10% to 80% in about 36 minutes using a 170-kW DC fast charger.
Suspension and Brakes
To cope with the demands of off-road driving, the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally has a specially tuned suspension system that offers more ground clearance, travel, and damping than the regular Ford Mustang Mach-E. The suspension features adaptive dampers that can adjust to different road conditions and driver preferences. The suspension also incorporates a front skid plate and underbody protection for both motors.
The brakes have also been upgraded to provide more stopping power and durability. The Mach-E Rally has larger brake rotors and calipers than the Mach-E GT Performance, as well as high-performance brake pads and cooling ducts. The brakes are also regenerative, meaning that they can recover some of the kinetic energy lost during braking and convert it into electricity for the battery.
Tires and Wheels
One of the most noticeable changes on the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is the choice of tires and wheels. The electric SUV rides on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels that are wrapped in all-terrain tires. The tires have a rugged tread pattern that can grip on various surfaces, such as dirt, gravel, sand, snow, and ice. The tires also have reinforced sidewalls to prevent punctures and damage from rocks and debris.
The wheels have a distinctive design that features contrasting accents and rally-inspired graphics. They also have locking center caps that prevent them from falling off during extreme driving maneuvers.
Bodywork and Styling
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally has a distinctive look that sets it apart from other Mach-E models. The electric SUV has a more aggressive front fascia that features a larger grille, a bespoke splitter, and built-in fog lights. The grille has a honeycomb pattern that improves airflow to the motors and battery. The fog lights are inspired by rally race cars and provide extra illumination for night driving.
The rear end of the Mach-E Rally has a dramatic spoiler that enhances aerodynamics and stability at high speeds. The spoiler also adds a sporty touch to the SUV’s appearance. The rear bumper has a diffuser that reduces drag and turbulence under the vehicle.
The body of the Mach-E Rally is covered in protective elements that shield it from scratches, dents, and impacts. The SUV has upper and lower body cladding that extends along the sides, wheel arches, and doors. The cladding also adds some contrast to the body color. The doors and fender arches have a protective film that prevents paint chips from flying stones and gravel. The SUV also has optional mud flaps that prevent dirt and mud from splashing onto the bodywork.
The Mach-E Rally is available in three colors: Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat, Grabber Blue Metallic, and Carbonized Gray Metallic. The colors are complemented by a black-painted steel roof and distinctive graphics that run along the hood, doors, and rear hatch. The graphics feature the Mach-E Rally name and the Ford Performance logo.
Interior and Features
The interior of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is similar to that of the Mach-E GT Performance but with some exclusive touches. The SUV has a spacious and comfortable cabin that can accommodate five passengers and their luggage. The cabin has a minimalist and modern design that features a 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and a panoramic glass roof.
The seats are upholstered in black leather with blue stitching and piping. The seats also have the Mach-E Rally logo embroidered on the headrests. The seats are heated and ventilated and offer multiple adjustments for optimal comfort and support. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and has paddle shifters for manual control of the powertrain.
The Mach-E Rally comes with a host of features and technologies that enhance convenience, safety, and entertainment. Some of the features include wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bang & Olufsen sound system, navigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera, park assist, and Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 .
Release Date and Price
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is expected to go on sale in early 2024 in the US market. The SUV will have a limited production run of only 1,000 units. The price of the Mach-E Rally has not been officially announced yet, but Ford says that it will have a targeted MSRP of $65,000. This makes it the most expensive Mach-E model in the lineup.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is a unique and exciting addition to the electric vehicle market. It is a vehicle that combines the performance and efficiency of an EV with the versatility and fun of a rally car. It is a vehicle that can appeal to both enthusiasts and adventurers who want to explore new roads and trails. It is a vehicle that showcases Ford’s innovation and vision for the future of mobility.
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