In recent times, Ford has emphasized the significance of V8 engines. The CEO of the automaker, Jim Farley, has expressed contentment in being the lone player globally offering an affordable V8 sports car. Given the recent moves by Dodge and Chevy, it seems his wish may indeed materialize. Farley has also highlighted that the V8 engine is what enables the Mustang to participate in races on various continents around the world every weekend. However, the question remains: Would Ford consider racing a non-V8 variant of the Mustang?
Jim Owens, the brand manager of Ford Mustang GTD, shared, “We raced the EcoBoost in the [Ford] GT, but when it comes to Mustang, our current focus is on models like GT3, GT4, and Dark Horse R—all of which are powered solely by V8 engines,” in an interview with The Drive.
Our meeting with Owens took place during the Rolex 24 at Daytona last weekend. It was during this event that the new Mustang GT3 made its debut in competitive racing in the GT Daytona and GT Daytona Pro classes. Another V8-powered Mustang race car, the NASCAR Cup Series Dark Horse, is set to make its first appearance at the Daytona 500 in a few weeks.
While EcoBoost-powered Mustangs have excelled in drifting and time attack competitions, Ford has no intentions of introducing its turbo-four engines to road racing scenarios. The possibility remains for Ford to enter a Mustang EcoBoost in IMSA competitions if desired. The stout performance of the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is acknowledged, and as long as it aligns with the manufacturer’s production lineup, there are no restrictions regarding cylinder count or aspiration type. However, in facing competitors like Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, Aston Martin, and notably Chevy, power output and durability must be taken into account. Ultimately, the V8 engine proves to be the most logical choice.
The recent influx of V8-powered Mustangs in racing activities is mainly aimed at igniting enthusiasm among enthusiasts. With Dodge discontinuing familiar models like the Charger and Challenger, and Chevy phasing out the sixth-gen Camaro, Ford stands as the primary option for followers of traditional domestic performance. Recognizing this, Ford continues to expand its production lineup to align with its racing offerings.
In addition to the Mustang GT and Dark Horse models, Ford recently unveiled the Mustang GTD. Priced at $300,000, it is the most extreme ‘Stang available to the public, complete with a 5.2-liter V8 engine and a large supercharger delivering 800 horsepower. With over 30 years of experience at Ford, Owens, who oversees this model from a brand perspective, is well-versed in stating:
“The Mustang holds the title as the most raced Ford vehicle, dating back to 1901. Its racing heritage is ingrained in its DNA. Racing has played an integral role in the global success of the Mustang and has contributed to it being the best-selling sports coupe for the past two consecutive years.”
I trust that Ford will continue to uphold V8-powered Mustangs for the foreseeable future, not due to a disdain for advancements in powertrain technology, but because it might represent the last bastion of its kind. While Ford offers models with turbo-four engines and even an electric variant like the Mach-E, indicating progression, the preservation of tradition is crucial. Both avenues can coexist harmoniously, at least for the time being, and many individuals rely on the Mustang to maintain this legacy.
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