The story between Ford and the 24 hours of Le Mans is legendary. This mythical automobile endurance race lasting 24 hours was, for several years, won by the manufacturer. There Ford GT, a historic racing car, had also been specially developed to take part in this event. Many times champion of the discipline, however, Ford had not been part of the competition for several years. After a few years of absence, Ford announces its big return to competition and is back in force with an iconic car of the brand, the Mustang.
The car
Ford-Performance worked with two long-time partners, Multimatic and M-Sport to craft the Mustang GT3. For enthusiasts, Multimatic is recognized for having brought the legendary Ford GT into the world. The company will be responsible for building the vehicle as well as providing technical assistance to the Ford Performance team. M-Sport, meanwhile, is a rally-focused company that has worked side-by-side with Ford in the World Rally Championship. The company will be responsible for assembling the engine that will be found under the hood of the Mustang GT3 2024.
The Mustang GT3 was specially developed to compete in the category. Powered by a 5.4-litre V8 engine, the Mustang GT3 features a short-arm suspension, an exclusive gearbox, carbon fiber body panels and an aerodynamic package specially adapted to the standards GT3. According to the manufacturer, this car will be a charm to see and hear on the track.
Before hitting the track at Le Mans in 2024, the Mustang GT3 will compete in various GT3 series around the world. The car will notably compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship from 2024 with the Proton Competition team, a German-based team which intends to run two Mustang GT3s in the racing series.
At the same time, Ford Performance will launch a racing program with two factory cars. This program will be managed by Multimatic, and the vehicles will take part in IMSA’s GTD Pro class. We should also see the Mustang GT3 from January 2024 during the Rolex 24 event at Daytona.
Ford Performance and Mustang
Ford’s return to Le Mans is important for the manufacturer, and Ford CEO Jim Farley clarified that “it’s not just Ford versus Ferrari anymore. It’s Ford against everyone. The company intends to regain a place that is dear to it “during the most dramatic, most rewarding and most important race in the world”. Despite ever more efficient competitors, the CEO of Ford indicates that the company will be up to it and explains that “returning to Le Mans will also allow the construction of a global motorsport brand”.
This brand will actually take the name of Mustang. Headed by Ford’s racing division, Ford Performance (FP), Mustang will be a brand in its own right, somewhat in the same recipe as the Broncos and the Raptors. This new brand will convey an exciting lifestyle and a sports-oriented attitude, according to the manufacturer.
