Ford has been making headlines with its electric SUV, the Ford Mustang Mach-E, since it debuted in 2019. The vehicle has been praised for its performance, design, and technology and for challenging the notion of what a Mustang can be. But Ford is not content with just making a fast and sleek EV for the road. It wants to take the Mustang Mach-E to a new terrain: the dirt.
That's why Ford has unveiled the Mustang Mach-E Rally, a rally-inspired version of the electric SUV that is designed to live on tarmac and play in the dirt. The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is the first-ever rally-inspired EV from Ford, and it aims to showcase the power and agility of electric vehicles in a different way.
What Makes the Mustang Mach-E Rally Different?
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is based on the Mustang Mach-E GT Performance, which is already a potent machine with 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque. But Ford has made some modifications to make the Rally even more capable and fun off-road.
First, Ford has updated the rear motor to increase the total torque output to 650 pound-feet while keeping the same horsepower. This means that the Mustang Mach-E Rally can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, matching the acceleration of the Tesla Model Y Performance.
Second, Ford has raised the suspension by 20 millimeters over the GT Performance and equipped it with specially tuned springs, MagneRide shocks, and larger brake discs with red-painted Brembo calipers. The vehicle also rides on durable, gloss white 19-inch rally-style alloy wheels with Michelin CrossClimate2 tires that provide more grip on loose surfaces.
Third, Ford has added some protective features to the Mustang Mach-E Rally, such as shielding for the front and rear motors, protective film on the door cladding and wheel arches, and available dealer-installed styled mud flaps. There is also a recovery point built into the front end in case of getting stuck.
Fourth, Ford has introduced a new RallySport Drive Mode for the Mustang Mach-E Rally, which is designed for off-road driving and adapts electronic control systems to allow bigger slides, a linear throttle response, and more aggressive damping. This drive mode also enhances the performance of the Mustang Mach-E Rally on snow and other slick road conditions.
Finally, Ford has given the Mustang Mach-E Rally a distinctive look that sets it apart from other models. The vehicle features circular fog lights, a prominent rear spoiler, black roof rails, and a unique grille with a honeycomb pattern and a red R badge. The exterior color options include Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat, Grabber Blue Metallic, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, Shadow Black, Iconic Silver Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, and Infinite Blue Metallic Tinted Clearcoat.
How Much Does the Mustang Mach-E Rally Cost?
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in fall 2023 as a 2024 model year vehicle. The starting price is $65,000 (before any federal or state incentives), which is $10,000 more than the GT Performance. However, Ford claims that the Mustang Mach-E Rally offers more value than its competitors in terms of performance, range, and features.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally has an estimated range of 250 miles on a single charge (10 miles less than the GT Performance), which Ford says is enough for most drivers who average around 30 miles per day. The vehicle can also recharge from 10 percent to 80 percent in just over 36 minutes using a 170-kW DC fast charger.
The Mustang Mach-E Rally comes with a host of standard features that enhance its comfort, convenience, safety, and connectivity. Some of these features include:
- A panoramic fixed-glass roof with an infrared reflective coating
- A hands-free power liftgate
- A heated steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- A wireless charging pad
- A Bang & Olufsen sound system with 10 speakers
- A SYNC 4A infotainment system with a 15.5-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- A FordPass Connect modem with Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- A Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 package with adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, evasive steering assist, speed sign recognition, intersection assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, post-collision braking, reverse brake assist, reverse sensing system, lane keeping system, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and a rearview camera.
Why Should You Care About the Mustang Mach-E Rally?
The Mustang Mach-E Rally is not just another electric SUV. It is a statement from Ford that it is serious about electrification and innovation and that it is not afraid to challenge the status quo and explore new possibilities. The Mustang Mach-E Rally is also a testament to the passion and creativity of Ford's engineers, who turned an idea into a reality in just 16 months.
The Mustang Mach-E Rally is a vehicle that appeals to a wide range of customers, from enthusiasts who want to have some fun off-road to adventurers who want to explore new places to families who want a spacious and practical SUV. The Mustang Mach-E Rally is also a vehicle that showcases the potential of electric vehicles to deliver exhilarating performance, efficiency, and versatility in any environment.
The Mustang Mach-E Rally is a vehicle that deserves your attention, whether you are a fan of the Mustang brand or not. It is a vehicle that will make you rethink what an electric SUV can do and what a Mustang can be. It is a vehicle that will make you want to get behind the wheel and experience the thrill of driving, on or off the road. It is a vehicle that will make you say: this is the Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally.
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