Ford Unveils New Mustang GT4 Race Car for 2024 Season

Ford Performance and Multimatic Motorsports have teamed up to create a new race car based on the seventh-generation Ford Mustang. The Ford Mustang GT4, which debuted at the 24 Hours of Spa on Wednesday, is designed to compete in various sports car racing series around the world, including the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge and the British GT Championship.

The Ford Mustang GT4 is inspired by the track-focused Mustang Dark Horse, which goes on sale later this summer. It features a racing version of the 5.0-liter V-8 engine that delivers 500 horsepower in the road car, mated to a Holinger dog-ring gearbox with paddle shifters. The car also boasts body panels made from natural fibers, Multimatic's DSSV dampers, and an aerodynamics package developed to meet GT4 regulations.

The racing car is expected to be delivered to customer teams in time for the 2024 motorsports season. Ford has not announced the price of the car, but it is likely to be in the range of $200,000 to $300,000, based on the prices of other GT4 cars from manufacturers like Aston Martin, BMW, and Porsche.

Ford Performance's motorsports powertrain manager Christian Hertrich said in a statement that the Ford Mustang GT4 was a result of a great collaboration between Ford and Multimatic. "We're proud to work with so many great partners on these race vehicle programs," he said. "It's also special to be able to do all of the engine work for the Mustang GT4 fully in-house."

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What Makes The Ford Mustang GT4 Special?

The Ford Mustang GT4 is not just another race car with a pony badge. It is a special machine that combines Ford's heritage and innovation with Multimatic's expertise and craftsmanship. Here are some of the features that make the Mustang GT4 stand out from the crowd:

The Engine: The heart of the Mustang GT4 is a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that is based on the Coyote engine found in the road-going Mustang Dark Horse. However, Ford Performance has tuned and modified this engine to produce more power and torque for racing purposes. The engine features a dry sump lubrication system, forged pistons and rods, CNC-ported cylinder heads, high-lift camshafts, and a custom intake manifold. The engine also has a stainless steel tuned exhaust system that enhances its sound and performance.
The Transmission: The Mustang GT4 uses a Holinger dog-ring gearbox with paddle shifters that allow for quick and precise gear changes. The gearbox is mounted longitudinally behind the engine and features an integrated oil cooler and pump. The gearbox also has a 3.31:1 limited slip differential that optimizes traction and stability.
The Suspension: The Mustang GT4 rides on Multimatic DSSV dampers that are adjustable for compression and rebound damping. These dampers are renowned for their performance and durability in various racing applications, including Formula One and Le Mans. The dampers are connected to lightweight aluminum control arms and anti-roll bars that provide optimal handling and steering response.
The Brakes: The Mustang GT4 has Brembo brakes that provide excellent stopping power and modulation. The front brakes feature six-piston monoblock calipers with 380 mm ventilated discs, while the rear brakes feature four-piston monoblock calipers with 355 mm ventilated discs. The brake system also has an adjustable bias valve that allows for fine-tuning of the brake balance.
The Body: The Mustang GT4 has a sleek and aggressive body that is made from natural fibers such as flax and hemp. These fibers are lighter and more sustainable than carbon fiber while still offering high strength and stiffness. The body also has an aerodynamics package that includes a front splitter, canards, dive planes, side skirts, rear diffuser, and rear wing. These elements generate downforce and reduce drag, improving the car's stability and speed.

The Mustang GT4 is not the only race car based on the seventh-generation Mustang. Ford also has a Mustang GT3 car that debuted at the 24 Hours of Le Mans earlier this month and a Mustang Dark Horse R car that could form the basis of a new one-make racing series. In addition, Ford has Mustang-derived race cars competing in Australia's Supercars series, the NASCAR Cup Series, and Xfinity Series.

The Ford Mustang GT4 is part of Ford's strategy to expand its presence in global motorsports and showcase its performance capabilities. The company also has other racing programs involving the Ford GT supercar, the Ford Fiesta rally car, and the Ford Bronco off-road vehicle.

Ford fans and racing enthusiasts can look forward to seeing the new Mustang GT4 in action next year as it takes on rivals from other brands in some of the world's most competitive and prestigious sports car racing series.