Ford's 2027 Le Mans Hypercar to Roar with Mustang V8 Power

Daily Car

16/01/2026

Ford is gearing up for a triumphant return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027, aiming for its first outright victory in 58 years. The American manufacturer has revealed that its new LMDh hypercar will be powered by the formidable 5.4-liter 'Coyote' V8 engine, a powerplant also found in its Mustang GT3 racer.

Key Takeaways

Ford's 2027 Le Mans hypercar will utilize the 5.4-liter 'Coyote' V8 engine from its Mustang GT3.
The new hypercar is currently undergoing wind tunnel development, with an on-track debut planned for the latter half of this year.
Ford aims to secure its first Le Mans outright win since the 1960s.
The LMDh regulations mandate a spec hybrid system, a chassis from one of four approved constructors (Ford has chosen Oreca), and a maximum system output of 671bhp, with all cars being rear-wheel-drive.

A Legacy Reimagined

Ford's ambition to reclaim Le Mans glory is deeply rooted in its historic success, particularly the iconic GT40's four consecutive victories from 1966 to 1969. The choice to equip the new hypercar with a V8 engine directly echoes this legendary lineage, as all four winning GT40s of that era featured V8 powerplants. Ford Racing's hypercar boss, Dan Sayers, emphasized this connection, stating, "when you have an engine this iconic in your arsenal, you don’t look for alternatives." He further described the V8 as a "bridge between the legends of 1966 and the future of 2027," underscoring the brand's commitment to its performance DNA.

In-House Development and Future Prospects

Significantly, the 5.4-liter V8 engine for the hypercar is being developed entirely in-house. This effort involves a collaborative team of engineers from Ford's headquarters in Michigan, with crucial input from the new Red Bull Ford Powertrains Formula 1 project. This integrated approach to powertrain development highlights Ford's dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance and innovation.

Driver Lineup and Testing Program

Alongside the hypercar announcement, Ford also confirmed three drivers who will compete for the team in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) next year: Sebastian Priaulx, Mike Rockenfeller, and Logan Sargeant. Priaulx and Rockenfeller, both experienced racers, will compete in a Ford-run Oreca LMP2 prototype in the European Le Mans Series this year. This strategic move will allow the team to "stress-test them under the most demanding conditions on the planet," gathering invaluable data and experience ahead of the 2027 hypercar campaign.

Under the LMDh regulations, manufacturers are required to use a chassis from one of four approved constructors, with Ford opting for the French firm Oreca. While a standardized hybrid system is employed, manufacturers have the freedom to develop their own combustion engines. The total system output is capped at 671bhp, and all cars will be rear-wheel-drive.

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