Ford returning to Le Mans in 2016 with new GT car

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As first revealed by Sportscar365 in July, Ford will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with an all-new GT car in 2016, as part of a factory program that will also include a two-car GT Le Mans class effort in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.

While Ford has yet to make a formal announcement, Autoweek has confirmed further details on the program, including the scheduled unveil of the yet-to-be-named production car for January’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Multiple industry sources have also confirmed that Chip Ganassi Racing has been tabbed to operate the program, with Scott Pruett and newly signed driver Joey Hand likely to lead the Blue Oval’s lineup. Sportscar365 understands up to two additional American drivers have also already been signed for the program.

The car, said to be developed and built by longtime partner Multimatic, is understood to utilize an EcoBoost V6 engine. It would mark a departure from Ford’s signature normally aspirated V8 engines used in previous generations of the mid-engined sports car.

The planned 2016 effort will mark Ford’s return to factory competition at Le Mans on the 50th anniversary of its first overall win in the twice-around-the-clock French endurance classic.

Ford will be represented in the TUDOR Championship next year with a solo Riley DP entry from Ganassi, which is expected to conclude at the end of 2015 in order for resources to be focused on the new GTE project.

No word has been given on when Ford will officially announce the program, although it could come as early as next month in Detroit.

Be sure to visit Sportscar365.com for more sports car racing news

[chunkypeanutbutter]

Awesome! I've always loved the Le Mans.... Sitting in front of the TV for the whole day with my dad, just watching cars; identifying even one of them even at six years old

Can't wait to see what they cook up to enter in to it.

[Len Woodruff]

Thanks for the update. Looking forward to the announcement.

[Miatatom]

It's been 50 years since they made their first commitment to Le Mans. I hope they're as successful this time. Can't wait to see them race again.

[unclescott58]

Again, any pictures?

Scott

[cartpix]

Again, any pictures?

Scott

It will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January.

Jeff

[Brudda]

The Announcement was friday the 19th. and is this going to be fun!

[Len Woodruff]

It makes sense it would be the new Mustang since it comes with 4 wheel independent suspension.