Latest news with #Mach-ERally
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
I drove Ford's Mustang Mach-E Rally. It looks like a life-sized Hot Wheels toy but is actually a fantastically fast electric SUV.
The Mustang Mach-E Rally is a high-performance, off-road version of Ford's flagship electric SUV. I was impressed by the Mach-E Rally's spirited performance, bold looks, and comfortable cabin. I didn't have many gripes, but I would have liked more than 265 miles of range for long road trips. Ford, Mustang, EV, SUV, and rally car are a collection of words no one ever expected to exist in the same sentence just a few years ago. But that's exactly what Ford has given us with the Mustang Mach-E Rally. I recently had the chance to drive the special edition racing variant, complete with eye-catching Grabber Yellow paint job and white off-road racing-inspired wheels. It's meant to compete with other hot hatchbacks like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 5 XRT. I was impressed with its driving dynamics, rallycar styling, and comfortable interior. And even with the impressive performance and showy exterior, the Mach-E Rally proved to be a comfortable, easy-to-live-with electric SUV that worked great on daily commutes. The Mexico-made Mustang Mach-E starts at just under $38,000. My range-topping Mach-E Rally starts at $58,490, but fees and optional extras like BlueCruise driving push the as-tested price to around $64,000. Ford used the high-performance Mach-E GT as the starting point for the Rally. The Rally trim gains black racing lines down the middle of the hood and a pair of fog lamps integrated into the front grille. The black racing stripes continue to the small rear decklid. The most prominent feature exclusive to the Rally is the large spoiler mounted to the top of the liftgate was inspired by the Focus RS, Ford's previous road-going rally car that went out of production in 2018. In addition to the spoiler, the Mach-E Rally gets special decals on the front doors and white 19-inch alloy wheels that resemble those found on rally racers. Despite its off-road pretensions, the Mach-E Rally boasts a somewhat limited 5.8 inches of ground clearance, about an inch more than the Mach-E GT but short of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT's 7 inches. My test car came with the a keyless entry system. The SecuriCode keypad, located on the front door pillars, allows keyless entry via a programmable five-digit code. The Rally is equipped with a 91 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the largest available on the Mach-E. The big battery helps the Rally achieve an EPA-rated 265 miles of range, which far outpaces the 221 miles of Hyundai's retro-rallycar styled Ioniq 5 N. As with other Ford EVs, it has access to the Tesla Supercharger network. The Mach-E Rally is powered by a pair of electric motors mounted to each of the vehicle's axles, creating what Ford calls an eAWD system. The two motors combine to produce 480 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque, identical to the Mach-E GT. Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving system worked great on straight stretches of highway, Ford built an EV that drives like a legit rally car. In regular operation, the Rally drives like a docile EV crossover, with its traction management systems stepping in to keep the experience on the straight and narrow. With the RallySport drive mode turned on, the Mustang EV comes alive. The mode, designed to maximize performance on high-speed, multi-terrain race courses, quickens throttle response, dials back the traction control as much as possible, and turns up the intensity of the faux engine noise piped through its speakers. Although I didn't get the chance to take the Mach-E Rally off-road, it really dazzled on the winding roads in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Handling was quick and precise, and the specially tuned adjustable magnetorheological damper helped optimize traction while keeping the EV under control even as road conditions changed. According to Ford, the 5,000-lb Mustang Mach-E Rally can do 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, which is not far off the 3.25-second time of the 641 horsepower Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The Mach-E's cabin feels smart and modern. Buttons and switches are generally well placed, and there are plenty of storage and charging options. My only complaint is with the large volume dial at the bottom of the infotainment screen, which doubles as the fan speed control for the AC system. This makes it impossible to use the dial without taking your eyes off the road. The Mach-E's cabin centers on its massive 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen. I found the Mustang Mach-E's infotainment system to be very responsive and easy to navigate. I especially like the shortcuts that allow you to quickly revisit the screen you most recently used. The Mach-E Rally features special Ford Performance front seats trimmed in faux leather with imitated suede inserts. Ford is usually pretty good at making comfortable seats, but these were exceptional even by my lofty expectations. They were soft and supportive with good adjustability and side bolstering. Sitting in them just felt like a warm, reassuring hug. The rear cabin proved to be remarkably comfortable as well. The comfy three-passenger faux leather and suede bench seat offers a competitive 38 inches of legroom, which is an inch or two short of the Ioniq 5 and Model Y. Behind the rear seat is a solid 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity increases to about 60 cubic feet. Under the rear cargo floor, there's also additional storage for charging cables and other items. The rear cargo compartment is supplemented by a 4.7 cubic foot frunk under the hood. The frunk, which has a drainage hole at the bottom of its plastic liner, can be filled with ice and used as a cooler when tailgating, Ford says. My verdict: The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally drives like a racer, but is comfortable and practical like a family SUV. Ford has a long and esteemed history of building legendary road-going rally cars, from the mid-engined RS200 to the highly sought-after Escort RS Cosworth. To me, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is the latest in that lineage of greatness, but with a twist. Unlike those that have come before it, the Mach-E Rally isn't a specialist vehicle limited to weekend drives. It's got all the tech, niceties, and utility to handle everyday life outside the rally course. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Insider
I drove Ford's Mustang Mach-E Rally. It looks like a life-sized Hot Wheels toy but is actually a fantastically fast electric SUV.
The Mustang Mach-E Rally is a high-performance, off-road version of Ford's flagship electric SUV. I was impressed by the Mach-E Rally's spirited performance, bold looks, and comfortable cabin. I didn't have many gripes, but I would have liked more than 265 miles of range for long road trips. Ford, Mustang, EV, SUV, and rally car are a collection of words no one ever expected to exist in the same sentence just a few years ago. But that's exactly what Ford has given us with the Mustang Mach-E Rally. I recently had the chance to drive the special edition racing variant, complete with eye-catching Grabber Yellow paint job and white off-road racing-inspired wheels. It's meant to compete with other hot hatchbacks like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 5 XRT. I was impressed with its driving dynamics, rallycar styling, and comfortable interior. And even with the impressive performance and showy exterior, the Mach-E Rally proved to be a comfortable, easy-to-live-with electric SUV that worked great on daily commutes. The Mexico-made Mustang Mach-E starts at just under $38,000. My range-topping Mach-E Rally starts at $58,490, but fees and optional extras like BlueCruise driving push the as-tested price to around $64,000. Ford used the high-performance Mach-E GT as the starting point for the Rally. The Rally trim gains black racing lines down the middle of the hood and a pair of fog lamps integrated into the front grille. The black racing stripes continue to the small rear decklid. The most prominent feature exclusive to the Rally is the large spoiler mounted to the top of the liftgate was inspired by the Focus RS, Ford's previous road-going rally car that went out of production in 2018. In addition to the spoiler, the Mach-E Rally gets special decals on the front doors and white 19-inch alloy wheels that resemble those found on rally racers. Despite its off-road pretensions, the Mach-E Rally boasts a somewhat limited 5.8 inches of ground clearance, about an inch more than the Mach-E GT but short of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 XRT's 7 inches. My test car came with the a keyless entry system. The SecuriCode keypad, located on the front door pillars, allows keyless entry via a programmable five-digit code. The Rally is equipped with a 91 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the largest available on the Mach-E. The big battery helps the Rally achieve an EPA-rated 265 miles of range, which far outpaces the 221 miles of Hyundai's retro-rallycar styled Ioniq 5 N. As with other Ford EVs, it has access to the Tesla Supercharger network. The Mach-E Rally is powered by a pair of electric motors mounted to each of the vehicle's axles, creating what Ford calls an eAWD system. The two motors combine to produce 480 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque, identical to the Mach-E GT. Ford built an EV that drives like a legit rally car. In regular operation, the Rally drives like a docile EV crossover, with its traction management systems stepping in to keep the experience on the straight and narrow. With the RallySport drive mode turned on, the Mustang EV comes alive. The mode, designed to maximize performance on high-speed, multi-terrain race courses, quickens throttle response, dials back the traction control as much as possible, and turns up the intensity of the faux engine noise piped through its speakers. Although I didn't get the chance to take the Mach-E Rally off-road, it really dazzled on the winding roads in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Handling was quick and precise, and the specially tuned adjustable magnetorheological damper helped optimize traction while keeping the EV under control even as road conditions changed. According to Ford, the 5,000-lb Mustang Mach-E Rally can do 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, which is not far off the 3.25-second time of the 641 horsepower Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. The Mach-E's cabin feels smart and modern. Buttons and switches are generally well placed, and there are plenty of storage and charging options. My only complaint is with the large volume dial at the bottom of the infotainment screen, which doubles as the fan speed control for the AC system. This makes it impossible to use the dial without taking your eyes off the road. The Mach-E's cabin centers on its massive 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen. I found the Mustang Mach-E's infotainment system to be very responsive and easy to navigate. I especially like the shortcuts that allow you to quickly revisit the screen you most recently used. The Mach-E Rally features special Ford Performance front seats trimmed in faux leather with imitated suede inserts. Ford is usually pretty good at making comfortable seats, but these were exceptional even by my lofty expectations. They were soft and supportive with good adjustability and side bolstering. Sitting in them just felt like a warm, reassuring hug. The rear cabin proved to be remarkably comfortable as well. The comfy three-passenger faux leather and suede bench seat offers a competitive 38 inches of legroom, which is an inch or two short of the Ioniq 5 and Model Y. Behind the rear seat is a solid 29.7 cubic feet of cargo space. When the rear seats are folded down, the capacity increases to about 60 cubic feet. Under the rear cargo floor, there's also additional storage for charging cables and other items. The rear cargo compartment is supplemented by a 4.7 cubic foot frunk under the hood. The frunk, which has a drainage hole at the bottom of its plastic liner, can be filled with ice and used as a cooler when tailgating, Ford says. My verdict: The Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally drives like a racer, but is comfortable and practical like a family SUV. Ford has a long and esteemed history of building legendary road-going rally cars, from the mid-engined RS200 to the highly sought-after Escort RS Cosworth. To me, the Mustang Mach-E Rally is the latest in that lineage of greatness, but with a twist. Unlike those that have come before it, the Mach-E Rally isn't a specialist vehicle limited to weekend drives. It's got all the tech, niceties, and utility to handle everyday life outside the rally course.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
'Fun on the road or trail': Why rugged EVs are now in demand
If Sophie Dower had her way, she'd be rock crawling and ripping donuts in her Ford Mach-E Rally every weekend. The Santa Clara, California, resident said she was a "die-hard Jeep person" before she purchased the Mach-E Rally, the more extreme version of the automaker's electric crossover, last August. Its design -- 19-inch rally-style alloy wheels, racing stripes and prominent rear-spoiler -- are instant conversation starters at the off-road park she frequents with her husband. "People ask me all the time, 'Tell me about your car, it looks really cool,'" she told ABC News. "Half the people think it's just a trim package. Others say, 'What did you do to the Mach-E? This can't be stock.'" Going electric hasn't hampered Dower's off-roading lifestyle. She "tops off" her Mach-E Rally at an Electrify America station near the state park, grabbing lunch while the vehicle's battery is recharged. Twenty minutes later she's in her element, sloshing through mud and testing the capability of the Mach-E. Then she makes the nearly three-hour trek back to her house. "I get home with about 10% battery left," she said. "I haven't had any close calls with range." Electric vehicle sales in the U.S. are rising; however, convincing the majority of mainstream Americans to permanently ditch internal combustion cars and trucks continues to be an industry-wide problem. "EVs will take off when they can charge quickly and when the experience mimics a gas-powered car," Tony Quiroga, editor-in-chief of Car and Driver, told ABC News. Automakers are now targeting niche markets to boost sales. Instead of highlighting range or battery times, selling points include an EV's off-road capability and weekend warrior cred. Plus, the latest electrics have the brawny, boxlike styling that consumers seek. "The ruggedness of an SUV and truck is really appealing," said Quiroga. "People like lifted trucks and sitting higher. Trucks and SUVs are returning to their roots." According to a recent survey from AutoPacific, an automotive forecasting firm, consumers who intend to purchase an EV care a lot more about its off-road appearance and performance package than other features. "Beefier suspension, off-road tires, locking differential, skid plates, ruggedness -- EV shoppers are definitely more interested in all of this," Robby DeGraff, manager of product and consumer insights, told ABC News. "We really haven't seen that many rugged and off-roading EVs with the exception of the Rivian R1T and R1S and Hummer EV. Off-roading is hot and it's smart for automakers to try to make their vehicles more exciting." MORE: How the pandemic brought out the off-road 'animal spirits' in drivers The good news for consumers is that there's a long list of rugged EVs coming in the next two years. EV startup Rivian introduced the R3 compact SUV and the more sporty R3X last year. This winter, Volvo launched the EX30 Cross Country, a small SUV that can perform skillfully on muddy tracks and ankle-deep snow. Its got the looks, too: rear skid plates, mud flaps, a roof basket and wheel arch extensions. Scout Motors is taking reservations online for its two highly anticipated EVs, the Traveler SUV and Terra truck. Several available models can scratch the off-roading itch now: the Ford Mach-E Rally, GMC Hummer EV, Mercedes-Benz G580, Chevy Silverado EV and Rivian's R1T and R1S. Hyundai recently added the XRT trim to its Ioniq 5. Evangelists and novices alike will be pleased with the hatchback's 0.9-inch suspension lift, unique tuning, multi-terrain mode and bolder, more rugged appearance. "We're at a point now where automakers have to take the next step to boost EV sales -- it's not just charging and 0-60 mph times," said DeGraff. "Consumers are willing to spend thousands of dollars on high-performance packages and off-road equipment." MORE: The warming planet is changing the ecosystem. It's also bad for automakers Donna Dickson, chief engineer of the Mach-E Rally, said Ford, like its competitors, is developing EVs for drivers who "love being outdoors." "We're showing customers that EVs can do just about anything," she told ABC News, noting that the Mach-E Rally "can go and play anywhere." "The vehicle has anti-roll bars, underbody protection plates and a rear spoiler, plus tuned suspension and unique wheels," she said. "With 265 miles of range, you can get to the trail and back." But there are serious drawbacks to taking an EV in the backwoods and country, according to Jason Torchinsky, co-founder of The Autopian website. "EVs have a lot of compromises if you want to go off-roading," he told ABC News. "The logistics are harder. There are fewer charging stations in remote areas. Off-road vehicles need to be boxy, tall and large with big wheels and specialized tires -- these are terrible for range." He pointed to the Chevy Silverado EV, which has a curb weight of 8,800 pounds. "Boulders could crack and be crushed and if you get stuck, recovery is a huge issue now," he said. "The truck will sink because it's so heavy." Torchinsky said having a gas-powered range extender in an EV, which Scout Motors is providing for its EVs, makes a lot of sense when adventure calls. Massive battery packs can add more range but they, too, come with drawbacks: added weight. Plus, hefty suspensions and body parts can quickly raise the cost of a vehicle, Torchinsky said. "If you want to go off-road in an EV, it's certainly worth a try," he said. "I don't want to discourage anyone. EVs are capable but they don't make a lot of sense." He added, "Cars are irrational purchases and people will buy something because they think it's cool." DeGraff agreed, noting that many of these EV owners are "likely not going 4x4ing a lot." "They're buying them for the design and extra capability -- and to get through a snowstorm," he said. "No one wants an 8,000-pound vehicle damaging the great outdoors." Chevrolet is trying to woo traditional truck disciples by demonstrating just how capable an electric truck can be in grueling conditions. Earlier this month, the U.S. automaker entered its Silverado EV ZR2 off-road race truck concept in the annual Mint 400. The truck's performance in the desert, thanks to its electric propulsion system -- 1,100 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque -- surprised the engineers, according to Tim Demetrio, manager of Chevy Performance engineering and motorsports competition. "We only had a week or two of testing in the desert before the race," he told ABC News. "We had some predictions on energy consumption. The truck went faster than expected and used less energy, so it was a win-win." Truck fans can look forward to the upcoming Silverado EV Trail Boss, said Demetrio, a self-described "gearhead." "The Trail Boss gives you added capability if you want to be a weekend warrior," he said. "It has a 2-inch lift, a new terrain mode and 35-inch all-terrain tires. We're building an enthusiast market around EVs." Demetrio argued that internal combustion vehicles have plenty of their own limitations outdoors. "There's more exposed componentry -- the transfer case, transmission, drive shaft -- plus greater potential for fluid leaks," he said. "This can leave you stranded in the desert." Brandon Girmus, a product planning manager at Jeep, has experienced firsthand the benefits of electrification in distant locales. He's taken the popular Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid to Hell's Revenge in Moab, Utah, a hazardous trail with steep climbs and descents. "You need plenty of torque at the wheels to safely negotiate that 30 percent grade," Girmus told ABC News. "EVs are superior in terms of torque delivery -- that's the beauty of an EV. Off-roading is all about maximizing torque." Girmus, like Demetrio, objected to the perception that EVs are inferior to internal combustion models. "There's a torque curve with ICE vehicles ... you don't reach your max torque right away," he explained. "You have to spool up that engine to a higher RPM, which increases the vehicle's rate of speed. With an electric vehicle, you have that max torque instantly -- as soon as you press on the accelerator." The company's second all-electric Jeep, the Recon, won't be available until later this year. Until then, Girmus is encouraging Wrangler 4xe owners to get out in nature. Plus, the company is in the process of installing charging stations at highly trafficked parks and trails. "Before I drove a Wrangler 4xe off-road, I was skeptical," he said. "But once I drove one in electric mode, I was hooked and forever changed." 'Fun on the road or trail': Why rugged EVs are now in demand originally appeared on
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally
(WHTM) — When Ford introduced the all-electric Mustang Mach-E a few years ago it was like many electric cars, fast, but not very entertaining. Now for an extra $6,000 in the Mach-E Rally, you'll be grinning ear to ear. With all-wheel-drive, adjustable magnetic ride suspension, 480 horsepower and more. This thing is a blast. White wheels, a hatch-mounted spoiler and stripes give it visual appeal too. EPA rates it at 265 miles range, about 20 less than a base Mach-E, but in my opinion, worth it. I don't care for the seats in a regular Mach-E, but these are better. The rally package includes Ford's blue cruise self-driving feature. A Tesla-like center screen works well once you get used to it. More room is freed up in the center console because of the rotary gear selector. Also, clever is the audio knob that doubles as a fan speed control. Two adults will be comfortable in row two, three would be snug. The battery pack sits high in the Mach-E and that cuts into cargo space. Even on ice and snow handling and braking are balanced and power is excellent. One of the most entertaining electric cars available. So for the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E rally, I say thumbs up to the fun factor. Excellent traction and decent range. Thumbs down to the price. The as-reviewed sticker is $65,485. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
