Sources familiar with Ford’s racing efforts have confirmed to AutoWeek that not only is the new supercar a done deal, but it’ll be going back to Le Mans to defend its legacy in 2016.
The new supercar will be billed as an heir to both the GT40 that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times in the 1960s and the retro-styled GT (pictured) sold in 2005 and 2006. Most likely mid-engined, the supercar might not wear the GT nameplate but its silhouette will pay an unmistakable homage to its predecessors.
The Le Mans entry, along with a full Tudor United SportsCar Championship program, will be headed by Chip Ganassi Racing. It will be formally announced in the months following the new car’s debut.
The GT replacement is expected to spearhead an onslaught of high-performance models. Ford will also present the second generation of the SVT Raptor off-roader. We know that it will be based on the new aluminum-bodied F-150 but additional details such as what it will be powered by are being kept under wraps.
As previously reported, Ford will almost certainly show a more extreme version of the Shelby GT350 that debuted in Los Angeles earlier this month. Aimed squarely at the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, the GT350R will stand out with a more aggressive body kit, bigger brakes and a stripped interior.
Finally, rumors indicate a hot-rodded version of the Focus hatchback could make an appearance in the nation’s Motor City. Badged RS, it will pack a 300-horsepower version of the 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder that is available on the 2015 Mustang. The Focus RS will be introduced next March at the Geneva Motor Show if it sits out Detroit.
All of the aforementioned cars will be grouped under the Ford Performance sub-brand, which will be similar to Mercedes’ AMG division and BMW’s M.
Stay tuned to Leftlane for full details and live images of Ford’s high-performance lineup starting next month.
Leave a Reply