Ford Designed a Specialty Test Track for the Mach-E Rally
Ford saw a tremendous Mustang Mach-E sales boost after lowering prices earlier this year, and the new Rally model could further help its cause. The Blue Oval recently showed its testing process for the electric SUV, saying that it specially built a dirt testing track at its Michigan Proving Grounds to torture test the Rally.
Ford engineers used computer-aided analysis to design the course, which is aimed at recreating rallycross conditions. The automaker said its 500-mile combined testing procedures retreated ten years of monthly rallycross racing, using sensors to monitor vehicle conditions and performance.
The Mach-E Rally gets a one-inch lift over the standard vehicle and brings white 19-inch wheels with Michelin tires. It features skid plates and body cladding to protect against rock chips, and Ford installed rally-inspired fog lights in the grille. Mach-E GT power means 480 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque, and MagneRide suspension comes standard. The Rally offers a 265-mile range, a 3.4-second 0-60 mph time, and a $60,000 starting price.
Though it has been eclipsed by newer, more desirable electric models since its debut, Ford has continued tinkering with the Mach-E to keep it competitive. The Mach-E Rally is expensive, but it hits the nerve of the “safari everything” craze that has taken over Porsche circles and other enthusiast groups.
[Image: Ford]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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More ev trash
It's sad automakers are being forced into this bs instead of being allowed to innovate stuff that people ACTUALLY FRIGGIN WANT
I foresee HUGE rebates on this. The "quasi-Safari" look on 911s is one think on a 150k plaything. It's another when slapped on a 40k EV with a 20k premium.
Ford will waste money on anything other than improving their quality. They bought the train station that should have been demolished, they've wasted BILLIONS on EVs, and now this crap for the fake mustang.
Farley has been an absolute disaster for Ford. Nassar was infinitely more competent.
Very tough test. Through the use of a time machine, the Ford engineers were able to prevent 10 future recalls. No Fake Mustang has ever gone through so much development - and that also applies to anything else they build at Ford.