Ford Prepares for Le Mans Hypercar Comeback: What Enthusiasts Need to Know

Daily Car

·

21/01/2026

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What Are Ford’s Plans for the 2027 Le Mans Hypercar?

Ford has confirmed a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027 with a top-class Hypercar. The new vehicle will compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), one of the most prestigious race series in the world. Ford’s entry falls under the LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) regulation, and it will rival other major manufacturers like Ferrari, Toyota, BMW, Genesis, and Cadillac. This marks a continuation of Ford’s historic legacy at Le Mans, including their famous GT40 victories in the late 1960s.

Who Are the Key Drivers for Ford’s Hypercar Program?

Ford has announced three notable drivers for its Hypercar debut:

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Mike Rockenfeller: A veteran with a previous Le Mans win and a DTM championship, Rockenfeller brings a wealth of experience to the team.
Sebastien Priaulx: At just 24, Priaulx has climbed the ranks of UK motorsport and achieved multiple IMSA class victories. He is also the son of touring car champion Andy Priaulx.
Logan Sargeant: Recently competing in Formula 1 with Williams, Sargeant brings fresh, high-level technical experience and adaptability, critical for endurance racing.
Together, this lineup combines proven talent and youthful energy, giving Ford a strong chance in a highly competitive field.

What Are the Technical Highlights of Ford’s New Hypercar?

Ford’s Hypercar will feature a naturally-aspirated 5.4-litre Coyote V8 engine, derived from the Mustang GT3. Unlike turbocharged rivals, this V8 is celebrated for its distinctive, powerful sound and durability. The engine is developed in-house with support from Red Bull Ford Powertrains.

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The car is designed under the LMDh formula. This means it must use a standardized chassis—Ford has selected the Oreca chassis—as well as a unified hybrid system provided by Bosch. The LMDh category aims to balance performance and cost, blending a mix of standardized and proprietary components to ensure close competition.

How Does Ford’s Hypercar Compare with the Competition?

Ford’s competitor brands in the LMDh segment include Cadillac, BMW, and Genesis, all using similar technical regulations. By contrast, manufacturers such as Toyota and Ferrari run fully bespoke LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) cars, which allow greater engineering freedom—but often at much higher expense.

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LMDh cars must use a chassis based on the LMP2 standard, standardized hybrid technology, and simplified aerodynamics. Ultimately, this approach controls budgets, but still allows distinct engine and setup choices. This enables more manufacturers to participate while delivering exciting racing for fans.

What Is Ford’s Preparation Path for the Hypercar Program?

Before the 2027 debut, Ford will enter the 2026 European Le Mans Series. This step, supported by experienced motorsports partner Multimatic, allows the engineering and pit crew teams to gain race experience with the Oreca chassis in LMP2 trim, ensuring a smoother transition to Hypercar competition. This phased approach matches strategies recently used by other leading brands.

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Why Does Ford’s Return Matter for the Broader Market?

Ford’s renewed commitment to Le Mans is a strong signal to the global motorsports community, indicating confidence in endurance racing’s future. With an increasing number of manufacturers joining the hypercar class, fans can expect thrilling races and ongoing technical innovations, both on the track and in road-going performance vehicles.

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