This isn't a concept: Ford is actually putting this rally-inspired Mustang Mach-E into production.
Ford has revealed a new Mustang Mach-E Rally variant aimed at thrill seekers who fancy themselves as novice rally drivers. It's not quite the Mach-E Raptor variant we hypothesized it might be previously, but it's perhaps smarter not to call it a Raptor and dilute the sub-brand that has proven itself as a desert-runner on any model its been affixed to.
Instead, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is focused on dirt trails as a spiritual successor to the Ford Sierra RS Cosworth.
Unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the newcomer will tackle the famed hillclimb. Ott Tanak, World Rally Champion and current driver of the M-Sport Ford Puma rally car will send the Mach-E Rally up the hill.
“Mustang Mach-E took the freedom and fun of Mustang and made it free from emissions,” said Darren Palmer, Vice President of Electric Vehicle Programs for Ford Model e.
“Now, with Mustang Mach-E Rally, we're providing our customers the freedom to venture off the asphalt and beyond the beaten path,” he added.
Yes, very nice, we hear you say – but it's just another concept that won't make it into production. That's where you're wrong: Ford plans on offering this exciting variant to the buying public. The Mustang Mach-E Rally will first be offered in the United States and Europe, with orders opening in the US this fall.
Unfortunately, the Blue Oval hasn't shared any additional details, giving us very little in the way of performance and power figures. But the pictures seen here tell us all we need to know.
The Rally model appears to have more ground clearance than regular models, along with several exterior enhancements not seen on road-biased models. Up front, we can see spotlights have been embedded within the front panel, giving it a look reminiscent of rally cars. A red-painted tow hook also adds some motorsport flair to the front fascia.
At the rear, we can see Ford has tacked on a prominent spoiler positioned just above the rear windscreen. Together with the increased ride height and OZ Racing Rally-esque wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich Trail Terrain rubber, it looks rather good – almost like a toned-down version of Ford's very own WRC entrant. Based on the sportier front apron, we assume the Mach-E Rally is based on the GT version.
If so, we can expect at least 480 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque (GT Performance models receive 634 lb-ft). The latter Performance derivative is deceptively quick and can sprint to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. If this is the case, we don't expect the Rally to be as rapid, as its off-road tires will likely hinder progress on tarmac.
Ford has shared just one image of the interior. While the dashboard, controls, and materials look the same for the most part. Another clue that the Rally is based on the Mach-E GT is the front seats, which are sportier in design.
It's an odd idea, but it may be crazy enough to work. After all, Lamborghini and Porsche have released off-road versions of the Huracan and 911, respectively, so why can't Ford do so with its electric crossover? Perhaps Hyundai will respond with an off-road version of its glorious Ioniq 5 N, which was also revealed this week.
Keyword: Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally Revealed As Hardcore Off-Road Performance EV