For something that claims to be an SUV, the Mustang Mach-E doesn’t exactly look like the kind of machine that wants to get its tires muddy. But the Mach-E Rally does. The dirt-ready EV made its debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed looking like a concept, but you’ll be able to buy one just like it in Europe and America this fall.
Ford hasn’t revealed anything about the car’s technical spec but it’s apparently based on the 346 hp (350 PS), bi-motor, all-wheel drive version of the current production Mach-E. Visible in the images are new rally-style wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich Trail Terrain / TA tires, an imposing rear spoiler and a set of driving set into the blank grille.
“Mustang Mach-E took the freedom and fun of Mustang and made it free from emissions. Now with Mustang Mach-E Rally, we’re providing our customers the freedom to venture off the asphalt and beyond the beaten path,” said Darren Palmer, Vice President, Electric Vehicle Programs, Ford Model e. Palmer told Autocar that the program went from an idea to a reality in just 18 months, and was inspired by one of the Ford ‘Always On’ team member’s passion for rallycross.
Related: Ford BlueCruise 1.3 Improves Hands-Free Driving With New Features, Launches On Mustang Mach-E
The Mach-E Rally will be driven up the Goodwood hillclimb this weekend by Ott Tänak, current driver of the M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1 entry and former World Rally champion. Let’s hope he makes a better job of things than the guy driving Hyundai’s Ioniq 6-based RN22e concept, which crashed spectacularly into hay bales on Thursday, sending a cloud of straw and dust into the air and making a mess of the EV’s bodywork.
Ford’s Goodwood activity isn’t all hinged around the Mach-E Rally. The trail-ready EV is joined by the Mustang GT3 racer, the Dark Horse version of the road-going Mustang and the new VW ID.4-based Explorer EV for Europe.