The New Ford Mustang GT4 Race Car
Ford Performance revealed last week at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas their new turnkey Ford Mustang GT4 race car, based on the championship-winning Ford Shelby GT350R-C.
The Mustang GT4 will be eligible to compete in a variety of global racing series which support a GT4 class, including the Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge, the Pirelli World Challenge and the GT4 European Series.
This would pit the newly introduced Mustang GT4 against other currently FIA-homologated race cars in the GT4 class such as the Aston Martin Vantage GT4, Lotus Evora GT4, BMW M3 GT4, and KTM X-Bow GTR. Ford already enjoys intense rivalries within other international motorsports racing classes, namely the FIA World Endurance Championship, with their Ford Chip Ganassi Racing Ford GT, particularly against the Aston Martin Vantage GTE, Porsche 911 RSR and Ferrari 488 GTE — they hope to build the same kind of heated competition within the GT4 class.
The Mustang GT4, inspired by the Ford Shelby GT350R-C, which was crowned the champion of the IMSA Continental SportsCar Challenge (Grand Sport class) just last month, is a joint effort between Ford Performance and Multimatic Motorsports.
Powering the Mustang GT4 is a race-tuned version of the naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V8 from the Ford Shelby GT350/GT350R production cars, engineered, validated and built by Ford Performance with the assistance of Roush Yates Engines. The “Voodoo” V8 produces 526-hp and 429-lb-ft. of torque from the factory — Ford Performance have not released official figures for the race-tuned version found in the GT4.
All Mustang GT4s will come with a lightweight, compact, six-speed Holinger paddle-shift transmission, featuring direct-pneumatic activation, which will provide for quick, consistent and positive-feeling gear changes. The transmission also utilizes a twin-plate racing clutch and flywheel developed by German powertrain supplier ZF. Additionally, the oiling system is a dry-sump unit.
Multimatic have provided their Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers for use on the GT4 ‘Stang, which the company claim offer “advanced predictability, accuracy, repeatability and ultimate vehicle control.” The dampers will work in conjunction with proprietary rear lower control arms and front and rear stabilizer bars from Multimatic. Rotors and six-piston Brembo calipers will be covered by lightweight 18-inch by 11-inch forged alloy wheels from Forgeline.
A rear wing designed based on the research and development of the Ford GT racing program hangs out back on the Mustang GT4. Other aerodynamic parts include a front splitter, hood vents, diveplanes and a rear diffuser.
The official price of the Mustang GT4 race car is unknown. Based on the prices of other GT4 race cars, it could fall anywhere between $150,000 and $250,000, which is actually a bargain for those looking to jump into international racing competition.
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