Modified Ford Mustang Mach-E Rally Ready For 1,500-Mile Race

Ford has announced that the new Mustang Mach-E Rally will participate in the Rebelle Rally later this year with some unknown street-legal modifications (likely just tires). Revealed last week as an off-road-ready variant of the popular crossover, the Rally has a raised ride height, more torque, and specially tuned suspension, among other things.

Driving the Mustang Mach-E Rally will be Kayleigh Miller and Bailey Campbell, both of whom have plenty of experience with the Rebelle Rally. Miller won in the 4x4 class on three occasions, while Campbell has also partaken in previous events. She's also finished second in the grueling Baja 1000 and fourth in the Mint 400 (Class 1).

The formidable duo will compete in the Electrified X-Cross category for two- or all-wheel drive vehicles with no two-speed transfer case.

"Ford has entered vehicles in the Rebelle Rally for the last three years, and now is the right time for an electric effort. We're excited to see Mustang Mach-E Rally take on 1,500 miles of the amazing dirt roads, trails, and two tracks of California and Nevada," said the chief engineer of Mustang Mach-E, Donna Dickson.

The automaker has had great success in the Rebelle Rally, particularly with its Bronco lineup. In 2021, the Bronco Sport impressed everyone when it came first in the X-Cross category - before it went on sale. Last year, the best-scoring Ford was a Bronco driven by Shelby Hall. Together with co-driver Penny Dale, the duo finished in sixth place.

The Bronco's arch-rival, the Jeep Wrangler, finished in first place. In 4xe guise, the electrified off-roader proved unstoppable.

But if anything is going to put the Wrangler in its place, it will be the Mustang Mach-E Rally, which produces 480 horsepower and an incredible 650 lb-ft of torque thanks to a dual-motor setup. Power is sent to all four wheels for maximum grip.

Ford has raised the ride height by 0.8 inches and fitted the crossover with specially tuned springs, MagneRide shocks, and sizeable 15.6-inch brake discs for the front wheels. The estimated range of 250 miles isn't anything to get excited about. Hopefully, this won't be too much of an issue when speeding across the arid Nevada desert.

Founded by Emily Miller in 2015, the Rebelle Rally is a woman-only motorsports event in Nevada and California. Competitors are pushed to their limits as they have to navigate the desert without a GPS or smartphone. They need to find hidden checkpoints and more using only maps and a compass.

This year's rally will take place from October 12-21.