Ford aims for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027 with an LMDh racer featuring a hybrid 5.4-liter V8, expanding its upscale brand strategy alongside the debut of the open-top Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC, according to the Ford Motor Company.
The Ford Motor Company is pushing further into the upscale automotive market through high-performance vehicle developments and global motorsport campaigns. According to official company communications, these efforts span from a planned return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans to high-end domestic reveals like the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit.
Ford Le Mans LMDh Hybrid V8 Program Set for 2027
Ford plans to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the 2027 World Endurance Championship (WEC) season. Rather than running the Mustang GT3, the manufacturer is building a proper LMDh racer. This prototype hypercar will feature a newly developed hybrid 5.4-liter V8 engine, boosting the brand’s motorsport presence alongside its existing Formula 1 commitments.
Woodward Dream Cruise Debut of the Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible
Rather than attending Monterey Car Week, Ford debuted the open-top Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit. According to company specifications, the convertible variant features a soft top paired with the same supercharged 5.2-liter V8 found in the Dark Horse SC coupe, the Ford F-150 Raptor R, and the Mustang GTD. The powerplant generates 795 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque.
Did You Know?
The supercharged 5.2-liter V8 powering the new Mustang Dark Horse SC convertible is shared directly with ultra-high-performance vehicles like the Mustang GTD and the F-150 Raptor R, producing 795 horsepower.
Virtual Design Explores S650 Shelby GT500 Grand Tourer
The recent activity from the Blue Oval has inspired independent digital vehicle designers. Modena-based virtual automotive artist Luca Serafini, known as ‘lsdesignsrl’ on social media, has conceptualized an unofficial design study for a hypothetical seventh-generation S650 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, envisioned for a potential mid-cycle refresh around the 2028 model year.
According to the designer’s concept, the hypothetical Shelby GT500 would adopt a grand tourer character complete with classic dual racing stripes. This approach differentiates the virtual model from the track-day focused Mustang GTD and Dark Horse SC, positioning it instead as a luxury-oriented tier within the Mustang lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine powers the Ford LMDh racer for Le Mans?
According to Ford, the LMDh racer set for the 2027 WEC season will feature a new hybrid 5.4-liter V8 engine.
Where was the Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible unveiled?
Ford presented the open-top Mustang Dark Horse SC at the Woodward Dream Cruise in Detroit rather than Monterey Car Week.
What are the power figures for the Mustang Dark Horse SC engine?
According to company data, the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 produces 795 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque.
Who created the virtual S650 Shelby GT500 design concept?
Virtual automotive designer Luca Serafini, operating as ‘lsdesignsrl’ on social media, created the unofficial S650 Shelby GT500 grand tourer concept.
What’s Your Take?
Do you prefer track-focused track toys like the Mustang GTD, or would you like to see a luxury grand tourer Shelby GT500 join the S650 lineup? Drop a comment below and share your thoughts.
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