The Ford prototype race car already in the works, marking The Blue Oval’s return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027 after decades of absence. While the automaker is keeping the finer details – like specs and power – close to the vest, Ford Performance head Mark Rushbrook has already confirmed that the race car will be powered by a V8 engine.
In an interview with Racer, Rushbrook detailed some important aspects of the Ford prototype racing program that are already settled, including the number of cylinders in the engine. It’ll be a good old American V8 engine for sure, although Rushbrook did not indicate whether this powerhouse will be naturally aspirated or boosted.
Currently, prototype racing competitors utilize either turbocharged V6 or turbocharged V8 engines. Should the Ford prototype be fitted with a naturally aspirated V8, it will join Cadillac as the only other team on the grid to do so. For reference, General Motors uses the naturally aspirated 5.5L DOHC V8 hybrid system in the Cadillac V-Series.R. That engine is a proven winner, meaning a free-breathing Ford V8 would be right at home in the Hypercar class. Moreover, Ford is well-versed in race-prepared naturally aspirated eight-cylinders, too – they’re what powers its Ford Mustang GT3 race cars, along with its Ford Raptor T1+ racer.
At this time, while the Ford prototype has been confirmed for the the FIA WEC, it’s not clear if the manufacturer will choose to compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship as part of the GTP division on North American soil.
Whatever Ford Performance brings to the prototype racing scene is sure to be a winner. During 2024, The Blue Oval raked in over 50 wins across all manner of motorsport, from NASCAR to Formula Drift and Australian Supercars. The automaker is also speeding toward its 2026 entry into Formula One, and is already 3D printing parts for Red Bull Racing. Racing is an important part of Ford’s research and development, providing valuable tech data that often makes it to production models.
Comment
Awesome, I hope Ford uses the tried-and-true Coyote platform in another motorsports division. The 5.4 Coyote used in GT3 and the Aussie Supercar series has proven itself many times over.