Ford has revealed its new endurance racing package ahead of its competitive debut next spring, offering the first clear look at the car’s design and the sound of its 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8. The hybrid-powered machine will compete in the LMDh class with the maximum permitted output of 670 hp.
Ford Stays With a Naturally Aspirated V8
Ford’s new endurance racer uses a 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 derived from the same Coyote architecture found in the Mustang. The engine is paired with a hybrid system to produce 670 hp, the maximum output permitted in the LMDh class.
While several of Ford’s rivals in the World Endurance Championship have selected turbocharged six-cylinder engines for their hypercar programs, Ford has continued with a naturally aspirated design throughout development.
The reasoning is centered on simplicity and reliability during a 24-hour race. By avoiding turbos and intercoolers, Ford believes the powertrain can be simpler to operate reliably across the demands of endurance competition.
Ford is not the only manufacturer taking that approach. Cadillac’s V-Series.R and Aston Martin’s Valkyrie AMR-LMH also use naturally aspirated engines.
Ford’s connection to the road-going Coyote engine also gives the choice an added element of brand identity compared with a clean-sheet racing engine.
V8 Tested at Ford’s Dearborn Headquarters
Ford has already been dyno-testing the V8 at its Dearborn headquarters using simulated laps of Circuit de la Sarthe. During full-throttle runs, the engine has reportedly exceeded 9,000 rpm.
Footage of the engine also provides an early impression of its sound ahead of the car’s racing debut.
Ford Will Enter Two Cars With Six Drivers
The car features a conventional hypercar shape rather than the more aggressive styling of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH. Its aerodynamic package includes a front splitter, canards, a large rear wing, diffuser and shark fin.
Like fellow LMDh competitors Genesis and Alpine, Ford’s chassis is based on an Oreca platform. The program itself, however, is being run almost entirely in-house under the rebranded Ford Racing division rather than through a partner team.
Ford will field two cars, with six drivers split between the two entries. One car will be driven by Tom Blomqvist, Nick Yelloly and Matt Campbell, while the other will feature Logan Sargeant, Mike Rockenfeller and Sebastian Priaulx.
Qatar to Host Ford’s Competitive Debut
Both Ford cars are scheduled to make their competitive debut at the 1,812-km (1,126-mile) Qatar round next March. The event will serve as the season opener for the FIA World Endurance Championship.
