The Ford Mustang GT3 has returned to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The famed GT3 qualified 4th in its class and is ready to race against the world’s top supercars in 2024. Under the hood, the Mustang GT3 has the well-known 5.4-liter Coyote V8 engine, the heart of the car’s great performance. The same great performance that the Mustang became so famous for. This article discusses the Ford Mustang GT3’s re-entry into the Le Mans racing world. I will talk about the GT3’s features, history, and competition in the GT3 class.
Aside from the race-only GT3 version, Ford offers the standard Mustang, which makes its way to the 2024 model year with plenty of features. The Ford Mustang GT3 is a force to be reckoned with. This time, the Mustang GT3 aims to capture Ford’s first class win at Le Mans since 2016. And it looks like that won’t be a challenge at all.
The Legacy and the Challenge
The Ford Mustang has a storied history at 24 Hours of Le Mans. The first time the Mustang raced at Le Mans was in 1967. Its next appearance was about 3 decades later in 1997. Now, for just the third time in its history, the Mustang is back at the Le Mans, the world’s most famous endurance event.
Competing in the GT3 class, the Ford Mustang GT3 will go head-to-head with rivals from Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, Aston Martin, BMW, Chevrolet, and Lexus.
The Teams and Drivers
The 2024 year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans welcomes up to three Ford Mustang GT3 models into the Proton Competition, a seasoned racing outfit. Each Mustang GT3 car has a talented lineup of drivers.
Drivers of this year’s Mustang GT3 in 24 Hours of Le Mans Proton Competition
- No. 77: Driven by Ryan Hardwick, Ben Barker, and Zacharie Robichon.
- No. 88: Piloted by Giorgio Roda, Dennis Olsen, and Mikkel O. Pedersen.
- No. 44: Shared by Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne, and Ben Tuck.
It was an intense Hyperpole qualifying session. In the end, it was the No. 77 Mustang GT3, driven by Ryan Hardwick, Ben Barker, and Zacharie Robichon that secured an impressive 4th place starting position in the GT3 class.
Power and Performance
The Le Mans Ford Mustang GT3 has a 5.4-liter naturally-aspirated Coyote V8 engine. In the simplest terms, this is one of the strongest powerhouses ever made. It ensures the Mustang GT3 is a formidable competitor on the track. Power goes through a rear transaxle.
The Mustang GT3’s powertrain was developed in collaboration with Multimatic and M-Sport. This ensures the Mustang GT3 is a formidable competitor on the track. But the engine isn’t the only interesting part of the supercar. The Ford Mustang GT3 has a dramatic aerodynamic design and features a large rear wing.
Racing Heritage
When reached for thoughts, Ford Chief Executive Jim Farley said “The Ford Mustang has raced in circuits across the world for decades, and now is the time for us to race our iconic coupe at the most important race in the world.”
While the Mustang joined the Le Mans racing realm in 1967, Ford’s history at Le Mans dates back to the first race in 1923. So this return marks a significant moment in the brand’s racing legacy. And what better way to return to the 24 hours of Le Mans than with the Ford Mustang GT3?
Competing with the Best
In the 24 hours of Le Mans, the Ford Mustang GT3 will battle nearly two dozen other cars in the GT3 class.
Built on the seventh-generation Mustang platform, the Le Mans Mustang GT3 is a capable racing machine. The GT3 has proved itself in various racing series, including NASCAR, NHRA, IMSA, Formula Drift, and Australia’s Supercars Championship.
Limited-Edition GTD Makes The Cut
In addition to the GT3, Ford has also brought the limited-run Mustang GTD to Le Mans. But unlike the GT3, the Limited Edition GTD debuted in Europe.
The Mustang GTD is a high-performance limited edition muscle car meant to race. This car offers a glimpse into Ford’s future in high-performance vehicles.
Verdict
As the Ford Mustang GT3 gears up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it carries the hopes and dreams of Ford fans worldwide. There’s no reason to doubt its capabilities as a GT3 race car. It comes from a racing heritage that dates back to the 1920s. It has a powerful 5.4-liter naturally-aspirated Coyote V8 engine under the hood. Combine that with the skilled drivers, the Mustang GT3 will make its mark on the legendary Le Mans track. Stay tuned as this iconic American muscle car takes on the world’s best in one of the most exciting races of the modern era.
