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.
