Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally For Gravel Thrills

Ford has tweaked its Mach-E into a dirt road trailblazer by adding 20mm to ride height, and underside body plating. It also features tweaked MagneRide dampers.

This dress-up comes as an option pack for the existing Mach-E GT. Power is the same 358kW and there’s 880Nm of torque, up slightly on the 860Nm our GT has.

Putting the output down is a special Rally Sport driving mode. This evidently imparts improved acceleration control, more aggressive damping and improved traction on slippery surfaces. It also adapts the traction and stability control systems, permitting plenty of slip angle at the rear.

The 91kWh battery pack and electric motors are protected from rocks and bumps by special underbody plating. Ford has also coated this with a protective spray to reduce the risk of chips and scrapes. A tow hook is integrated into the front bumper in case things go pear shaped. 

Styling took cues from the Ford Focus RS hot hatch, which features a similar rear spoiler.

Other items include a front splitter, black roof panel, rally-style fog lights and racing stripes. 

The interior is based on that of the Mach-E GT, with white accents throughout to match the wheels, Mach-E Rally badging and sports seats.

Darren Palmer, head of Ford’s EV programmes, said the programme took 18 months to develop, including testing on rally surfaces.

He said the car is extremely stable on all surfaces because of the precise acceleration control and the low-slung weight of the underfloor battery. Palmer added “We were blown away…it’s amazing.”

We’d not be expecting this kit to become available here, but have asked the question anyway. And Ford New Zealand confirmed this but added ‘Never say never’.