Ford says other markets beyond US and Europe might … just might … be allowed access.

ELECTRIC tuned for non-seal play could be a huge hoot, but should we get too energised?

That rally drivers, including the guest steerer for its debut drive, love our roads,  could weigh into the argument for allowing Mustang Mach-E Rally a chance to fling NZ gravel.

But that’s still only a hope. In revealing the derivative at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England and confirming it is going to be sold to customers, Ford has made clear the car will first only be available to order in the United States, with Europe following at a later date. other markets will be considered after that, but there are no promises.

The latter destination appears to exclude the country in which it was displayed, which raises possibility it won’t be in right-hand drive.

The demo driving at Goodwood involves none less than Ott Tanak, who currently drives the M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1 in the World Rally Championship and who’s also a former World Rally champion, taking it for a blast.

Ford has yet to release any details about the specific special ingredients for this Mach-E, but the one present at Goodwood has some unique treatments such as fog lights, unpainted flares and mud flaps, a rear wing, unique wheels, special knobbly tires, a front tow hook, and some seriously bolstered seats inside the cabin. 

“Mustang Mach-E took the freedom and fun of Mustang and made it free from emissions,” said Darren Palmer, Vice President, Electric Vehicle Programs, Ford Model e. 

“Now with Mustang Mach-E Rally, we’re providing our customers the freedom to venture off the asphalt and beyond the beaten path.”

Ford has been keen to explore just what the EV crossover is capable of performance-wise, unleashing the bonkers, 1032kW (1400 horsepower) Mach-E 1400 a couple of years ago as one of its “EV demonstrators.” 

In addition to its famous sealed driveway, Goodwood also has a bespoke forest rally track for this weekend’s displays, so offers Tanak mud and sealed stages.