- The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally brings rally-inspired performance to the Blue Oval’s mid-size battery-electric SUV.
- A 0.8-inch lift and additional underbody protection ought to make the Rally capable enough to take on the likes of dirt and gravel paths.
- Expect the Mach-E Rally to sticker for around $65,000 when it goes on sale early next year.
Ford may no longer sell the Focus RS—or any Focus, for that matter—but the hot hatch’s spirit arguably lives on in the 2024 Mustang Mach-E Rally. The latest addition to the battery-electric Mustang Mach-E trim line aims to top the Mach-E GT when it comes to peak output, too, with Ford hoping to eke north of 480 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque out of the Rally’s two electric motors (one at each axle).
As of this writing, the Mach-E GT Performance Edition makes do with just 480 horses and 634 pound-feet of twist. It’s possible the extra grunt Ford pulls out of the Mach-E Rally’s powertrain eventually makes its way to the Performance Edition, as well.
Dirty Mustang
Horsepower and torque figures, however, are mere bragging rights. The truth is, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is a different type of battery-powered mare than its GT kin. Whereas that Mach-E trim favors on-road performance, the Rally has its sights set on unpaved thoroughfares.
Loose gravel and dirt are what Ford built the Mach-E Rally for. The Blue Oval even built a dedicated rally course at its Michigan proving ground, giving the engineers and technicians working on the Mach-E Rally a proper place to tame this wild horse. Whether Ford’s team succeeded at turning the Mach-E Rally into a thoroughbred is something we won’t know until we have a chance to get behind the wheel of this electric SUV.
Nevertheless, the mechanical upgrades of the Rally go beyond just its powertrain. MagneRide shocks, specially tuned springs, a 0.8-inch lift, and a trim-specific RallySport drive mode ought to help this dirt-loving Mach-E better take on craggy terra firma. Additionally, the Rally adds protective shielding around the front and rear motors as a means of preventing any debris from damaging the drivetrain.
Soft Roader
Though Ford designed the Rally for off-tarmac driving, this Mustang Mach-E variant is an off-road machine in a limited context. Need proof? Note the Michelin CrossClimate2 all-season rubber Ford fits around the trim’s distinct 19-inch wheels. Need to trail your own path or tackle particularly tough terrain? Then you’re better off looking at a Ford truck or SUV bearing either the Tremor or Raptor moniker.
On the plus side, if you do push the Mach-E Rally beyond its capabilities, then you can rest easy knowing this variant features a front recovery point. This complements other Rally-specific decor such as those aforementioned wheels, a reworked front fascia with high-mounted fog lights, a Focus RS–esque rear wing mounted to the hatch, a black-painted roof, and a pair of contrasting stripes on the hood and tailgate.
Bringing the Rally to a stop, meanwhile, comes courtesy of 15.8-inch front rotors (1.5 inches larger than the 2023 Mach-E’s standard units) clamped down by red-painted Brembo-sourced calipers. Ford’s mum on details related to the rear rotors and calipers, but we wager the current Mach-E’s standard 12.4-inch units and single-piston stoppers carry over.
Just how far the Rally will go on a full charge depends on how heavy a left foot you have. That said, Ford is aiming to squeeze 250 miles from the SUV’s battery pack and its 91.0 kWh of usable capacity.
Similarly, the Blue Oval is still figuring out final pricing for the Mach-E Rally, with the company targeting a base price of approximately $65,000 for the model. Expect the automaker to release final power, torque, range, and price details closer to the start of 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E production, which begins early next year with sales following shortly thereafter.
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Senior Editor
Despite their shared last name, Greg Fink is not related to Ed “Big Daddy” Roth’s infamous Rat Fink. Both Finks, however, are known for their love of cars, car culture, and—strangely—monogrammed one-piece bathing suits. Greg’s career in the media industry goes back more than a decade. His previous experience includes stints as an editor at publications such as U.S. News & World Report, The Huffington Post, Motor1.com, and MotorTrend.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
