Mustang GT3 In Development for 2024 Racing Debut
Ford Performance confirms the development of a new Mustang GT3 race car to compete globally, starting with the 24 Hours of Daytona.
As much as the world sees the Ford Mustang as a “straight line” car, nobody can undercut its heritage on the race track. Yes, straight ones. However, you’d also have a hard time finding a bendy race track that doesn’t have a Ford Mustang in attendance. This definitely isn’t a new development, either. S550 Mustangs and their independent rear suspension make for awesome track day vehicles. Of course, we don’t have to tell you that the GT350, GT350R, and GT500 are amazing, too. However, Mustangs have been on road courses for as long as they’ve been around. Now, Ford is developing another weapon in the world of competitive endurance racing with their recent announcement of the Ford Mustang GT3.
In a recent press release, Ford officially announced that Ford Performance is developing a factory-backed Mustang GT3 Race Car set to compete in global sports car races all over the world. According to Ford, the current plan is for its debut to be at the 2024 24 Hours of Daytona endurance race. ‘
Big Shoes to Fill
With nearly six decades of racing history, this new Mustang has some serious heritage to live up to. However, Mark Rushbrook, Ford Performance Motorsports global director, is confident in their ability to do just that.
“Mustang was born to race from the start, and we’re thrilled to introduce the GT3 version to compete head-to-head against some of the greatest manufacturers in the world. With 58 years of global endurance racing heritage, including NASCAR and Australian Supercars today, we are ready to take Mustang to the next level of global performance,” said Rushbrook.
This project comes jointly from Ford Performance and Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations. Multimatic has outstanding partnerships and collaborative efforts with Ford, resulting in some recent Ford racing icons.
“We have a long, great working relationship with each other, both at the highest levels of professional sports car racing and in developing competitive customer race program and vehicles. We appreciate their faith in us, and together, we can’t wait to show the world what’s coming down the road with Mustang,” said Larry Holt, Executive Vice President of Multimatic.
Furthermore, Multimatic and Ford also most recently developed the Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1. This rally collaboration recently took two podium spots at an FIA World Rally event.
What’s Under the Hood?
Though Ford has not revealed too many details about this new race car, they have confirmed that it will be using the Coyote 5.0 V8. Furthermore, it will use a rear-mounted transaxle setup, carbon fiber body components, bespoke suspension, and, of course, so woefully attractive aero. Additionally, Le Mans Ford GT driver and winner Joey Hand will be behind the wheel during testing.
Ultimately, we can’t wait to see these Mustangs competing! Between the iconic heritage driving the project and all the fantastic minds on board and behind the wheel, the end result is sure to be an amazing weapon for the track.
Photos: Ford