Ford Communications Network

Encouraged by the first-year dominance of its 420-horsepower stock Mustang race car in the Grand-Am Cup series, Ford Motor Company has developed what it describes as the ultimate Mustang showroom stock race car.

Code-named "Man Racer," the new 550-horsepower Mustang follows on the heels of the highly successful FR500C, also known as the "Boy Racer."
"Man Racer represents the reincarnation of the Trans-Am Mustang from the 70s, which was the most powerful showroom-looking pony car at the time," said Dan Davis, director, Ford Racing Technology. "This car has amazing output from a normally aspirated engine, and the chassis is specially tuned for high-speed performance and handling."

Presently, there is only one Man Racer, but more could be on the way -- if Ford can find an appropriate racing series for the car. Davis says the automaker is involved in discussions with several sanctioning bodies on that very topic.

Man Racer, like Boy Racer, is based on the basic body structure of the production Ford Mustang and race-prepped by Multimatic, a Ford performance supplier. Under the hood is 550-horsepower aluminum V-8 engine built by Roush-Yates. Rising from the rear is a large wing for added downforce.

Steven Cole Smith, automotive editor of the Orlando Sentinel, was among the first to take a ride in the Man Racer. Smith was on board when professional race car driver and Multimatic test driver Scott Maxwell sent the newest Mustang squealing through the Champ Car street course at Long Beach, Calif.

"Despite the fact that the Mustang's suspension had not been set up for that particular course, it was remarkably composed, even on some areas of rather rough pavement," said Smith. "Bottom line: It's pretty amazing that the car began life as a production Mustang, instead of a tube-framed, full-out race car. It's that good."

Boy Racer was more than good in its debut year in the Grand-Am Cup series, sweeping the manufacturer, team and driver titles against the likes of Porsches and BMWs. The feat did not go unnoticed.

"A year ago, we started with three customer FR500C Mustangs in the series," said Jamie Allison, manager, Ford Racing Performance Group. "With the success on the track, the number is up to 18 this year, including teams that switched from Porsche and BMW to Mustangs. We expect to sell seven more race-prepared Mustangs at $125,000 each for a total of 25 by the end of the year."

Palm Coast Ford, less than 30 miles from Daytona International Speedway, accounted for eight of those sales.

"Last year marked the first time we sold Ford performance parts, and I did not expect that much success," said Vic Leininger, assistant parts manager, Palm Coast Ford. "We ended up third among all Ford dealers in performance parts sales, and we didn't start the program until March. We will do even better this year, definitely."

Leininger says he hopes Ford will bring the Man Racer to market. Should the company decide to do so, it will be sold to customers with a racing license for about $200,000. Is there a market?

 

I really hope this car is legal for SPEED GT next season.

 

Where can I get one of those hoods?