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This is the jacked-up Mustang Mach-E Rally that Ford ‘abused’ in testing

Raised ride height and racing stripes included

Published: 07 Sep 2023

A few weeks on from its camo’d debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the production-ready Mustang Mach-E Rally has been de-robed by Ford ahead of order books opening next year.

Looks… half decent, no? Those racing stripes are standard, while the rear spoiler is inspired by that of the Focus RS (anyone see any resemblance?), claims Ford. Other additions include various body mouldings, a front splitter, black steel roof and a front panel that houses the ‘rally-inspired’ fog lights (i.e. they are round).

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Don’t worry, there is some substance to it all: the suspension setup is unique to the Mach-E Rally, riding 20mm higher than the GT version on which it’s all based with tuned springs, MagneRide shocks and 385mm front brake discs with red Brembo calipers.

Ford has been unusually blunt in its description of testing for the Rally: the prototypes were ‘abused’ by engineers and technicians, who subjected the car to 800km tests on a specially-designed rally track at its Michigan Proving ground. Serious business indeed.

Apparently the RallySport driving mode allows for big slides, while the throttle response has been tightened up for a more linear response and the handling improved by way of ‘aggressive damping’ and 19s (check out those alloys!) shod with 235/55 R19 Michelin CrossClimate2 tyres. For extra grip on the loose stuff, you understand.

The powertrain has been fettled too, the GT’s dual motor system now chucking out 480bhp and 649lb ft. The battery is a 91kWh unit, though range is unspecified for now.

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Inside you get gloss white accents on the dash, lower steering wheel spokes and seatbacks, and there’s contrast stitching on the doors. Ford-designed performance seats, too. For keeping you upright on a demanding gravel stage, you understand.

Colour options include Grabber Blue, Shadow Black, Eruption Green and Grabber Yellow; Star White and Glacier Gray are cost options.

“Just a year ago, this was merely an idea, and what you see today is a testament to the passion and intense creativity of our Model e team,” said Donna Dickson, chief engineer of the Mustang Mach-E. “We have always explored new areas of performance, and the combination of a rally-tuned suspension, dual motor electric powertrain, and wicked styling makes the Mustang Mach‑E Rally a different kind of performance vehicle that will excite customers chasing their next adventure.”

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And Ford CEO Jim Farley added: “Mustang Mach-E Rally puts Ford’s decades of passion for rally championships around the world right in the hands of our customers. It takes Mustang where it hasn’t been before – to gravel and dirt roads. Inspired by true driving enthusiasts, a driving experience like never before for the pure joy of driving.”

As mentioned, Ford will start taking orders early in 2024 and the first deliveries will arrive shortly after. Tempted?

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