It’s no secret that Ford has full intentions to race at LeMans this year with the new Ford GT, and today we get our first look at how that car will look in full race trim. Full credit to rc82 for the renders
This EcoBoost-powered V6 stunner will be competing at Le Mans this year – 50 years after the original GT40 MkII made history and outperformed Ferrari in the famous 24 hour endurance race in France, and the timing is no coincidence.
The new Ford GT is built to conform to the Automobile Club de l’Ouest’s (ACO) GTE regulations. This is the same class where the factory Porsche, Ferrari, Corvette Racing and Aston Martin teams compete in the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans race.
We also know that one of the pilots of this Ford GT will be none other than Scott Pruett – the most successful driver in North American road racing history. His connection to Ford dates back to the 80’s when he joined the manufacturer as a developmental driver. A secondary driver, Joey Hand, has been a factory BMW driver for eight years.
These two American drivers are ready to lead the development of the Ford GT as the team gets ready to represent Ford on the international stage.
We have also learned that Ford was supposed to announce the return to Le Mans at the same time they announced the Ford GT at the NAIAS, but Ford has opted to time the announcement right before the race at Le Mans in June.
The new Ford GT’s is powered by the same 3.5-liter TTV6 EcoBoost Daytona Prototype engine, and it only makes sense for Ford to run with this engine. And due to the reliability it has displayed at major endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Daytona, the Ford GT road car will hit the ground running with a thoroughbred engine package.
Furthermore, the Le Mans / TUDOR series is arguably the best automotive road-racing series going these days. We hope that this addition brings the series more viewers and fans. Where else do you get to see such a diversity of bleeding-edge technology along with the world’s best production-based race cars?
This is an exciting time for Ford, and they are getting ready to display our racing heritage on the international stage. We will keep you updated as this race program develops and prepares for the June race. Check out the videos below: