Hot on the heels of the Mustang GT3 race car that debuted on the sidelines of this month’s 24 Hours of Le Mans comes a new addition to the Mustang lineup: the Mustang GT4. The latest race car was revealed at the 24 Hours of Spa, the highlight of the SRO-sanctioned Intercontinental GT Challenge. It is scheduled to be delivered to customer teams in time for the 2024 motorsports season. However, Ford hasn’t announced any plans to race the car itself.
GT4 cars are currently eligible to race in multiple series in the U.S. and Europe, offering plenty of options for teams interested in purchasing the car. The Mustang GT4 is based on the redesigned 2024 Ford Mustang that will be available for sale later this summer, specifically the track-focused Mustang Dark Horse. This race car was developed by Ford Performance in partnership with Multimatic.
Multimatic, known for its impressive DSSV dampers, will be supplying these dampers for the Mustang GT4 and will also handle the assembly of the car. On the other hand, Ford Performance will be in charge of assembling the powertrain. The Mustang GT4 will feature a racing version of the 5.0-liter V-8 engine, delivering 500 hp, which is similar to the powertrain used in the Mustang Dark Horse model.
Christian Hertrich, Ford Performance’s motorsports powertrain manager, expressed his pride in working with many great partners on these race vehicle programs. He stated, “It’s also special to be able to do all of the engine work for the Mustang GT4 fully in-house.” This shows the level of expertise and dedication that Ford Performance brings to their race car projects.
In terms of specifications, the Mustang GT4 will come with a Holinger dog-ring gearbox equipped with paddle shifters. The body panels of the car will be made from natural fibers, showing Ford’s commitment to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. Additionally, the car will have an aerodynamics package that has been developed to meet GT4 regulations.
The cost of the Mustang GT4 has not been announced by Ford yet. However, considering the high-performance nature of the car and the advanced technology it incorporates, it is expected to be priced competitively.
It’s worth noting that Mustang-derived race cars are already competing in Australia’s Supercars series and the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series. Although the NASCAR versions currently wear bodywork from the outgoing sixth-generation model, Ford is constantly innovating and pushing boundaries in the world of motorsports.
In addition to the Mustang GT4, Ford is also rumored to be working on a Mustang Dark Horse R race car. If this becomes a reality, it could potentially serve as the foundation for a new one-make series, further expanding the Mustang’s presence and influence in the racing world.
Overall, the introduction of the Mustang GT4 showcases Ford’s commitment to high-performance racing and their dedication to producing exceptional race cars. With its powerful engine, advanced technology, and sleek design, the Mustang GT4 is set to make a significant impact on the motorsports scene. Racing teams and enthusiasts alike can look forward to witnessing this formidable race car in action during the 2024 season.
