Ford Reveals First-Ever Electric Off-Road Mustang: Mach-E Rally

Ford has unveiled the Mustang Mach-E Rally, the first-ever rally-inspired electric vehicle (EV) in the Mustang Mach-E family. This EV features a tuned version of the Mustang Mach-E GT powertrain with at least 884 Nm of torque and 473 bhp.

Also Read: Honda Introduces New Warranty Program For Big Wing Customers

The Mustang Mach-E Rally’s suspension is raised 20 millimetres higher than the Mustang Mach-E GT, along with specially tuned springs, MagneRide shocks, and 385-millimetre front brake rotors with red-painted Brembo-branded calipers. It comes with a 91 kWh lithium-ion battery, targeting an EPA-estimated range of 402 km, and a fast-charging capability from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 36.5 minutes on a DC Fast Charger.

For off-road capabilities, it features 19-inch rally-style alloy wheels and Michelin CrossClimate2 tires for better grip on loose surfaces. The vehicle also includes protective shielding for the motors, protective film on the cladding and fender arches, and mud flaps to reduce debris spray.

Ford introduces the RallySport Drive Mode for off-road driving, allowing for bigger slides, linear throttle response, and more aggressive damping. This mode also enables the Mustang Mach-E Rally to perform well in snow and slick on-road conditions.

“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, 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.”

In terms of technology, the EV is equipped with Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology, Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Repositioning. The Mustang Mach-E Rally underwent rigorous testing on an all-new rally course at Ford’s Michigan Proving Ground, simulating real-world conditions.

Also Read: Rimac Nevera Sets New Electric Car Lap Record at Nürburgring

The vehicle features a distinctive design, including a dramatic rear spoiler, contrasting accents, a unique front splitter, and rally-inspired fog lights. Every Mustang Mach-E Rally comes standard with two racing stripes. It can be ordered in Grabber Blue, Shadow Black, Eruption Green, and Grabber Yellow with available Star White or new Glacier Gray as extra-cost options.

Inside, there are gloss white accents, performance seats with “Mach-E Rally” branding, and a combination of comfort and functionality. The targeted starting MSRP for the Mustang Mach-E Rally is approximately $65,000 (Rs. 53.97 Lakh) in the United States, with exact pricing to be revealed closer to launch. It is expected to be available for purchase in early 2024, with deliveries shortly thereafter.

“Mustang Mach-E Rally puts Ford’s decades of passion for rally championships around the world right in the hands of our customers.’ said Jim Farley, chief executive officer. “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.”

Written by: RONIT AGARWAL

Ford unveils the fastest Mustang ever as a street-legal 800-bhp supercar

US auto giant Ford Motor has unveiled its Mustang GTD, a limited version model, ahead of the Monterey Car Week in California, US. Designed for racing, this is the fastest Mustang ever produced by the carmaker from Dearborn. It is Ford Motor’s first real swing at some of the famous supercars with racing credentials that can match others. The new Mustang is inspired by the carmaker’s Mustang GT3 racing car which will take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.

By: HT Auto Desk
| Updated on: 18 Aug 2023, 16:41 PM

Ford Motor has unveiled a new performance version of its iconic Mustang which is inspired by its GT3 racing car.

The design of the Ford Mustang GTD is the most aggressive among the current generation of Mustang cars. The grille and the air intakes are large with a sporty bumper and hydraulically controlled front wings. The aggressive aerodynamic bodykit offers front splitter, a new hood, wider fenders with air vents, new side skirts, a new diffuser and a huge spoiler that also has a DRS system.

Ford has used a large amount of carbon fiber in the bodywork of the Mustang GTD to reduce weight. The engineers have used carbon-ceramic braking system from Brembo and forged aluminium to shape the 20-inch wheels. The tyres have a tread of 325 mm in front and 345 mm in the rear.

Under the hood, the Mustang GTD comes with a supercharged 5.2-litre V8 engine, which Ford says can roar up to 800 bhp. The engine comes mated to a 8-speed dual-clutch transmission unit. The Mustang GTD is also the first road-going Mustang to feature a dry-sump engine oil system.

The interior of the Mustang GTD also reflects its sporty character. The driver and front passenger get Recaro seats optimised for track use. The gears are changed with 3D printed titanium paddles on the steering wheel. The drive mode selector knob and nameplate are also made of titanium. The alloy has been borrowed from Lockheed Martin F-22 titanium components. At the rear, the Mustang GTD does not offer any seats, but has space for luggage.

The Ford Mustang GTD will be a limited edition model. The US carmaker is likely to launch the Mustang GTD for domestic markets by the end of 2024 or beginning of 2025.

First Published Date: 18 Aug 2023, 16:41 PM IST

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Odell Beckham says Ravens getting a dusty Mustang which ‘runs beautifully’

Odell Beckham Jr. is ready to put the pedal to the metal.

The wide receiver, who signed with the Baltimore Ravens in April, said his new team won’t regret kicking his tires.

“I think that there’s still some dust on that ’76 Mustang that we need to work out, but the car runs beautifully,” Beckham told NBC Sports’ Peter King.

The mileage the 30-year-old Beckham has added over the year means he’s ready to transition from flash phenom to senior statesman.

In fact, Beckham told King one reason he signed with Baltimore was to be a role model for the team’s younger players.

“Try to show them the good and bad, because, as you know, I’ve already been through a lot of the bad,” Beckham said. “I believe I have the blueprint for what to do and what not to do, and I just try and share that with them.”


Former New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. signed a one-year contract in April with the Baltimore Ravens.
AP

Beckham continued to explain that he’s become a sounding board who will just “sit there and listen. Hear them out.”

Beckham also reflected on his long and winding road through the NFL.

“When I was younger, even if I respected a person, if someone’s talking and talking and telling me information, I think it’s hard to lead that way,” Beckham said.


Beckham is returning from a torn ACL he suffered in Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams.
AP

“Everybody’s story’s different. You have to understand a person, really understand them, before you tell them how to do something, I think. It’s kinda cool. I actually love the role.”

The story of Beckham’s pro journey is quite familiar to football fans.

The Giants selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.


Beckham talked to the Giants about a reunion but ended up sitting out the 2022 season.
AP

After five tumultuous seasons with New York, including three Pro Bowl campaigns and one broken ankle, the Giants traded him to the Browns in 2019.

Beckham spent three seasons in Cleveland, during which time he suffered his first torn ACL.

After returning to the lineup in 2021, Beckham became disgruntled with his role on the Browns and talked his way out of town.


Beckham will be one of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s top targets in Baltimore.
USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

After being waived by Cleveland, Beckham signed with the Rams and helped Los Angeles reach Super Bowl 56.

Beckham was on his way to having a monster game against the Bengals before suffering his second torn ACL.

Following the Rams’ 23-20 win over Cincinnati, Beckham became a free agent.

The 2022 season saw a flood of rumors regarding Beckham’s next NFL stop, including a possible reunion with the Giantsas he rehabbed following knee surgery.

But he ended up sitting out the season and signing a one-year contract with Baltimoreputting him in position to mentor wide receiver Zay Flowers, the Ravens’ first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Ford Mustang Dark Horse R Debuts: Track-Only Pony With Its Own Racing Series

The 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is as ferocious as factory ponies get. It’s the most powerful naturally aspirated Coyote V8 we’ve ever seen in a ‘Stang, and Ford dubs it the most track-capable version of the seventh-generation model to date. With that excellent platform to work with, Ford Racing is going all in on track versions like the GT3, the GT4, and now, the new Dark Horse R.

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse R is essentially a turn-key race car for buyers that really want to spend their weekends at the track. The R retains many of the same elements that make the standard Dark Horse so great, but with some specific racing cues specifically for track use.

The engine is the same naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 from the road version, but tweaked to “500+ horsepower.” The powertrain gains an upgraded oil system, transmission cooling, differential cooling, a Borla racing exhaust system, and a fuel cell for added safety and capacity.

The same six-speed manual transmission and Brembo brakes from the base Dark Horse also carry over, and visually, the exterior isn’t all that different – apart from a few necessary tow hooks and smaller 19-inch wheels wrapped in racing slicks.

The biggest tweaks to enhance the on-track performance include Multimatic DSSV racing dampers, adjustable anti-roll bars, and adjustable front camber plates. Meanwhile, Ford also ripped out any and all creature comforts in place of a full racing cabin. That includes a roll cage, Recaro racing seats, a Sparco racing harness, and a removable Sparco steering wheel.

Buyers that are able to get their hands on a limited Dark Horse R also have the opportunity to compete in a new single-make racing series put on by Ford Performance Racing School called the Mustang Challenge. The IMSA-sanctioned series will kick off in 2024 and run a 10- to 12-race calendar on five or six yet-to-be-named tracks in North America.

In order to get on the track you will have to shell out $145,000 for a Ford Mustang Dark Horse R. Deliveries are expected to start in 2024 just ahead of the first Mustang Challenge races.

Live Photos: Jeff Perez For Motor1.com

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Ford Wants 2024 Mustang To Lure In Younger Customers

Everything is changing in the automotive industry, even the pony car segment. The Chevrolet Camaro and Dodge Challenger will soon be history with the Ford Mustang remaining the only model to survive from the trio in a non-electrified form. However, there are still many people looking for an old-school naturally aspirated V8 sports car, and Ford even hopes it can win younger customers that are new to the brand with the new 2024 Mustang.

You can’t lure in young clients with just a powerful 5.0, though. The company’s designers and engineers have added gimmicks such as game-style graphics, a remote rev function, and an electronic drift brake that should attract the younger audience. The increased amount of customization options is also a step in this direction.

“There’s a segment of the pony car set that is extremely brand loyal and might have a bowtie tattoo somewhere on their body. We’re probably not going to be able to convert them. This is a basis to grow and bring in a younger audience. We feel there’s a segment of the population that really enjoys sports car performance but enjoys it differently than the current generation does,” Jim Owens, Mustang brand manager, explained to Automotive News. 

But is Ford prepared to survive in a new environment where there will be no direct competitors in the pony car segment? “We’ve been there without that competition before,” Owens added. “We’re there because this is a primary piece of Americana from a sports car segment we think the audiences will desire.”

While based on a modified version of the previous-gen Mustang’s platform, the 2024 Mustang has been improved on many levels. Our first impressions (see the related links above) are that the engines – while having the same 2.3- and 5.0-liter displacements as their predecessors – feel more lively, while the suspension is well balanced. 

Sales of the Mustang are down by 2.9 percent through June this year with 25,471 units delivered to customers in the United States. The new 2024 model will go on sale this summer with a starting price of $32,515 (destination and handling taxes included), while the range-topping Dark Horse variant kicks off at $59,565. 

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Ford Mustang Dark Horse R Teaser Shows Race Car In Motion, Debuts Thursday

We are just one day away from Ford revealing the Mustang Dark Horse R. The latest teaser is a video from the Blue Oval that shows the race car in motion, but it only offers glimpses of the coupe in the short clip.

The automaker first announced the hardcore Dark Horse R when it revealed the S650 Mustang in September 2022. We learned then that Ford would base the track-only car on the Dark Horse S that it also announced, another racing variant of the new pony car.

 

The Dark Horse R will inherit all the racing content Ford adds to the S, like the upgraded brake system and Multimatic DSSV dampers. The S has hood pins, front and rear tow hooks, an adjustable rear wing, and an upgraded exhaust system.

Inside, Ford will pack the safety features with a full FIA-certified safety cage, a race seat with safety belts, a quick-disconnect steering wheel, safety nets, and a fire suppression system. There could be additional goodies exclusive to the car, which we should learn about with its reveal.

The video doesn’t provide a clear look at the car, but we can see its livery, similar to the one seen on the other racing Mustangs. There’s a shot of the car’s rear taillights, wing, and front grille but not much else.

The Dark Horse R isn’t the only race-ready Mustang coming from Ford. The automaker plans to develop no fewer than six racing derivatives with this model generation, destined to compete in NASCAR, NHRA Factory X, and other racing series.

The automaker revealed the Mustang GT3 ahead of this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, which used the Mustang Dark Horse as a starting point for the car’s development. The GT3 received new bodywork and a host of other performance upgrades. A M-Sport-built 5.4-liter V8 based on Ford’s Coyote motor resides under the hood, which pairs with a rear-mounted transaxle gearbox.

The previous teaser depicted the car’s rear end with a sketch, showing off the wing and quad exhaust system. Ford will fully reveal the Mustang Dark Horse R on Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m. ET. Stay tuned to not miss all the exciting details about Ford’s latest Mustang race car.


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Challenger Black Ghost Vs. Mustang GT500 U-Drag Race Shows Power Isn’t Everything

Drag races are what American muscle cars are made for, and they do it extremely well, but what happens when you put two of the most recognizable names in the business head-to-head in a drag race with a twist (literally)?

Well, that’s exactly what the good people at Edmunds wanted to find out, so they organized a nice little shootout between the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost and their long-term 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, filmed everything, and uploaded the video on their YouTube channel (which is embedded at the top of this page).

As for the numbers, the black-only Challenger – which is a last-call special edition made in just 300 units – is powered by Dodge’s well-known 6.2-liter V8 that makes 807 horsepower and 707 pound-feet of torque (958 Newton-meters), sending all its oomph to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Black Ghost also weighs a hefty 4,476 pounds (2,030 kilograms).

On the other side of the asphalt, the 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 is powered by a smaller 5.2-liter V8 that makes 760 hp and 625 lb-ft (847 Nm), all of which goes to the back wheels through a seven-speed auto.

So, the Ford is down on power, torque, and number of transmission gears, but it’s also a bit lighter than the Challenger, tipping the scales at 4,168 lbs (1,890 kg).

After looking at the figures, it looks like the Dodge is the sure winner, but as is sometimes the case with drag races, power isn’t always everything. What’s more, this isn’t a typical drag race, but a U-Drag race, where the two cars speed down a straight line, then brake, make a U-turn, and put the pedal to the metal again on the way back to the start/finish line.

In other words, acceleration, top speed, braking power, and a bit of handling are all put to the test. Oh, and there’s something else, too: after the first run, drivers swap cars and go again, just to be sure that it’s all fair.

In the end, all I can say is that the Mustang, with its smaller and less powerful V8, went from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while the more powerful and menacing Challenger Black Ghost was clocked at the same speed one full second slower.

As always, though, go ahead and watch the video above and then head over to the comments section below to give us your thoughts.

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Ford Mustang Dark Horse Already Supercharged To 850 HP By Hennessey

Hennessey is among the first tuners to take a crack at upgrading the 2024 Ford Mustang in its highest-performing specification. The fourth-generation Coyote 5.0-liter mill is good for 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet (567 Newton-meters) of torque in its original naturally aspirated guise, but the Texas-based aftermarket specialist with an insatiable thirst for power has already slapped on a supercharger.

The flagship S650 ‘Stang now belts out 850 hp and 650 lb-ft (884 Nm), delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed Tremec manual or Ford’s own 10-speed automatic transmission. Other modifications made by Hennessey include beefier fuel injectors, a high-flow air induction system, a new high-flow fuel pump, and a software update for the engine management system. The result is a Mustang Dark Horse with around 70 percent more power than the standard car.

The “H850” package also comes bundled with some visual upgrades as Hennessey adds custom side skirts, front splitter, and rear spoiler – all of which are made from carbon fiber. Forged wheels are also part of the deal, along with body graphics, special badging, and embroidered headrests.

Pricing hasn’t been announced but we do know the kit boasts a three-year / 36,000-mile warranty and the first conversions are planned for the fourth quarter of 2023.

As a refresher, Ford is charging (before options) $59,270 for the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse and $63,265 for the Dark Horse Premium. Both are listed on the company’s website as having limited availability, so you might have a difficult time getting behind the wheel. The Dark Horse is sold strictly as a coupe, meaning you’ll have to settle for a GT if you want unlimited headroom.

The Dearborn automaker has also planned the Mustang Dark Horse S and Dark Horse R track-only cars through the Ford Performance division. These join other versions without a license plate, built specifically for GT3, GT4, NASCAR, and NHRA Factory X.

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2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Gets The Same Pirelli Tires As Pagani Utopia

Pony cars and exotics don’t usually have much in common. They both prioritize driving enjoyment, sure, but their missions come about in different ways: front- versus mid-engined, steel and aluminum versus carbon fiber, reasonable financing versus robbing a mint, etc. But at the 2023 Goodwood Festival Of Speed, we learned that the 2024 Ford Mustang and Pagani Utopia share one crucial element to high performance – Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires.

Debuting at the event in West Sussex, England, the P Zero Trofeo RS is Pirelli’s latest flagship tire, building upon the Trofeo R already found on such hypercars as the McLaren 765LT. Although Pirelli will continue to offer the R alongside the RS, the latter benefits from the latest advancements in digital modeling, allowing the tire manufacturer to experiment with a variety of contact patches, tread patterns, and compound mixes virtually to give the tire maximum performance. Pirelli says the RS boasts improved cornering response and stability thanks to those advancements.

Like the Trofeo R, the RS is a semi-slick, track-ready tire, albeit one that’s street-legal. As such, it’s not ideal for consistently wet conditions, and the tire will lose traction when ambient temperatures get near freezing even if the road is dry. But the P Zero Trofeo RS will likely be worth such concessions for those who take their Utopias and Dark Horses to the track.

Curiously, the Mustang Dark Horse will only offer the Trofeo RS as an option in North America. Global Ford Performance Motorsport Director Mark Rush said that the European market will receive the Dark Horse fitted with regular P Zero tires only. And in yet another plot twist, Ford was hiding Pirelli’s newest hot-and-heavy rubber in plain sight – although Pirelli didn’t officially announce the Trofeo RS until last week, the Mustang Dark Horse’s debut images betrayed the new tire as early as last September. The Pagani Utopia’s official debut showed it wearing P Zero Corsas, so put a notch in the Ford column for being so sneaky.

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Ford Teases Hot Mustang Mach-E Version Driven Hard On Dirt Track

Ford is bringing several Mustang breeds at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, including one that hasn’t been seen before. Touted as being “an exciting new member of the Mustang family,” the mysterious car will break cover this Thursday. It will be more than just a static display as the Blue Oval intends to demonstrate its “driving potential.” What exactly is it? The short teaser video reveals it’s a Mach-E rather than the traditional pony car.

The clip posted on YouTube Shorts shows the new Mach-E flavor next to a GT and a lesser trim while tackling the Goodwood course. At one point, we can see the upcoming Mustang leaving the tarmac and heading to a dirt track, thus suggesting we’re dealing with an adventurous version of the electric SUV. Logic tells us the presumed rally-ready configuration with its colorful livery likely has a raised suspension and all-wheel drive.

Aside from bringing the Mach-E, Ford intends to show off the Mustang GT3 race car as well as the road-legal Mustang Dark Horse. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to discover the new electric Explorer, a midsize crossover molded after the Volkswagen ID.4 The boxy EV will be assembled in Cologne, Germany where production of the Fiesta supermini ended last week.

It’s unclear whether Ford intends to sell this spicy variant or it’ll remain a one-off like the 1,400-horsepower, seven-motor, drift-happy Mustang Mach-E 1400. There was also a Mustang Lithium based on the S550 generation of the coupe. That one had over 900 horsepower and more than 1,000 pound-feet (1,356 Newton-meters) of torque routed to the wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.

It’s not just Mustang-based models that have received the high-performance electric treatment as we mustn’t omit the Supervan 4.0 from last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. It received a 4.2 sequel earlier this year for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

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2024 Ford Mustang Can Protect Pedestrians With “Exit Warning” System

Let’s address the obvious subject on our minds regarding this Mustang pedestrian safety system. No, it won’t stop Mustang drivers from crashing into crowds. “Exit Warning” doesn’t refer to exiting car shows, cars and coffee meets, or your neighbor’s driveway. Jokes aside, it’s actually a clever feature to help curtail untimely collisions between car doors and people, especially in crowded urban environments.

That’s what Exit Warning really means in this context – alerting drivers of people approaching the car. When parked, the Mustang’s onboard radar will detect objects approaching from the rear at speeds over 4 mph. If something enters the danger zone, a warning notification will appear on the instrument cluster and side mirror, and an audible chime will sound. In theory, the driver will not open the door but hey, that’s left to the individual to decide.

With the average human walking speed being 3 mph, the system is largely aimed at curtailing inadvertent door collisions with cyclists, scooter riders, and joggers. It’s active when the vehicle is parked, and it will remain active for three minutes after shutting the car off. Since Exit Warning relies on rear radar, it’s only available on Mustangs with applicable driver-assist systems. And while the feature may not make much sense to rural drivers, anyone who’s spent time in the city – either as a driver or a cyclist – knows the danger is real on streets filled with parallel-parked cars.

And those streets will soon see the seventh-generation Ford Mustang. 2024 model-year ponies should be reaching dealerships as this article posts, bringing fresh-yet-familiar styling with Ford’s established 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or 5.0-liter V8 engine under the hood. For now at least, the Mustang remains a pure internal-combustion machine and after this year, it will be the only choice for fans of Detroit muscle. The Chevrolet Camaro ends production in January 2024 with no successor in sight, and the Dodge Challenger also exits the scene at the end of this year.

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