Some of Ford’s EV engineers are big fans of rallying — such big fans that they managed to convince their bosses to transform the Mustang Mach-E into a machine for gravel roads. A rallycross-ready lifted Mustang Mach-E with rally-inspired wheels, off-road protection, and a great big rear wing. Let me introduce you to the 2024 Mustang Mach-E Rally.
Ford Production Rally Cars
Ford is no stranger to building rally specials. Cars like the 1970s Escort RS models, the RS200 and Sierra RS Cosworths of the 1980s and 1990s, and, of course, the modern-day Ford Focus RS have all torn up dirt, gravel, and paved rally courses.
This, however, is the first time that a factory Ford Mustang has been aimed at a rally stage and set loose.
Taller Suspension, Rally Shocks
The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally starts with a 20mm suspension lift (about ¾ of an inch) and specially tuned springs that are controlled by MagneRide magnetic dampers. The combination delivers more clearance to get over rutted rallycross routes and should do a better job of controlling body and wheel movement on rough roads.
Its 19-inch wheels with a 1990s rally design wear Michelin Crossclimate2 tires that have more sidewall height than a GT to help cushion impact. The tires deliver more off-pavement grip than the Mach-E GT’s standard tire, and they come with a winter rating for ice and snow.
The 15.2-inch front rotors get red-painted calipers and big Brembo logos. The big brakes make sure that actual rally tires won’t fit (World Rally cars usually use 15- and 16-inch wheels), but they’ll also bring the Mach-E Rally to a halt in a big hurry.
The Mach-E Rally’s lower plastic cladding is gray for durability. Ford also added a protective film to the lower parts of the Rally that should protect the paintwork and fender arches from stone chips on the road.
Ford dealers will have big rally-style mud flaps to help protect the bodywork even more.
Mach-E Rally Gets GT Performance Power
Mach-E Rally gets a tweaked version of the Mach-E GT electric driveline. The twin-motor layout should make 480 horsepower, the same figure as the GT Performance Package, while making slightly more torque at 650 pound-feet. Ford says this is the result of some software enhancements to the system, not new motor hardware.
Range for the EV should end up at around 250 miles.
Ford developed a new RallySport drive mode for the Mach-E. The mode lets the driver have some extra yaw leeway for bigger slides before it intervenes. It also adds more aggressive damping and a more linear response to the accelerator pedal.
To test out the Rally and its new drive mode, Ford built an entirely new test track. The course was designed by rallycross vets, Ford said. Prototypes were abused for 500-mile rallycross durability tests on the track to make sure the Mach-E Rally was worthy of the name.
Rally-Ready Details
The two electric motors are protected by new skidplates on this off-road Mustang Mach-E. The new grille-mounted fog lights, a front splitter that improves the Mach-E’s approach angle, and a new front-end recovery point are all more obvious signs that Ford wants this Mach-E to venture off the pavement like an electric WRX.
Ford also swapped its glass roof for a fixed steel roof. The change helps lower the center of gravity and improve handling.
Two big racing stripes on the hood are standard. The same goes for the great big rear wing that is inspired by the one on the Ford Focus RS. Ford will offer the Mach-E Rally in Grabber Blue, black, green, and the Grabber Yellow in the photos. White or gray will also be options.
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally: Pricing & Availability
Ford is targeting a starting price of “around $65,000.” The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally should hit dealers sometime in early 2024.
The model will also debut some tweaks to Ford’s BlueCruise hands-off highway assistant. The tweaks include improved performance with lane changes and in-lane repositioning. Those changes should filter out quickly to all BlueCruise-equipped vehicles.
