In 2024, Ford has ventured into the global FIA GT3 category. Teaming up with Multimatic Motorsports, Ford Performance introduced the highly anticipated and fiercely competitive race car, track-only 2024 Ford Mustang GT3.

Introduced at the 2024 Le Mans and making its debut at the 2024 Daytona, Ford developed the new Mustang GT3 with a specific goal in mind: to compete in prestigious global series like the FIA World Endurance Championship, GT World Challenge, and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Pushing boundaries further, it is also qualified to participate in elite events such as the Bathurst 12 Hour, the Nürburgring 24 Hours, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the 24 Hours of Spa.

Created for GT3 racing by Multimatic Motorsports and Ford Performance, the Ford Mustang GT3 race car and bespoke features such as custom short-long arm suspension, Multimatic DSSV dampers, a rear-mounted transaxle 6-speed gearbox, carbon fiber body panels, and a specialized aero package tailored to GT3 standards. Powering it is a 5.4-liter Coyote-based V8 engine, developed by Ford Performance and built by M-Sport, partners in the World Rally Championship.

Photo Credit: Multimatic Motorsports

Exterior

The Ford Mustang GT3 shares a lot of similar features to the Ford Mustang GT and Dark Horse. However due to the nature of which this car was created, this version required some very specific upgrades to the exterior to assist in its performance.

Photo Credit: Multimatic Motorsports

The body features larger front aerodynamic splitters and canards to increase downforce at the front. The fenders are widened to accommodate broader wheels, with cutouts at both the front and rear fenders to enhance airflow and aid in brake cooling.

Photo Credit: Ford Media Center

The hood has been enhanced with larger vents, and the front grille has been adjusted to accommodate extra lighting for nighttime use during endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Similar to the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD, the Ford Mustang GT3 is equipped with a high-mounted aero wing and rear bumper diffuser, enhancing its aerodynamic features and downforce capabilities to reach new heights.

Unlike the regular GT and Dark Horse, the exhaust boldly kicks out from the car’s side, making a grand exit right in front of the rear wheel.

Photo Credit: Multimatic Motorsports

The Mustang GTD is equipped with a set of state-of-the-art wheels that are well-suited for the vehicle. The wheels are forged from aluminum, which is a lightweight and sturdy material commonly used in performance vehicles. However, there is also an optional set of wheels available.

These wheels are not the typical cast aluminum or steel; they are crafted from magnesium, an exotic element that produces a spectacular finish. But why magnesium? Magnesium wheels have been utilized in race cars to reduce weight and attain faster lap times.

Hence, it made perfect sense to incorporate magnesium in the design of a car like the Mustang GTD, resulting in an approximately 25% reduction in weight compared to the standard aluminum wheels used in other Mustang models. These new wheels are fitted with tires that are 12.8″ wide in the front and 13.6″ wide in the rear, granting the Mustang GTD full race track capabilities and a menacingly attractive stance.

Photo Credit: Ford Media Center

Interior

The interior of the new GT3 has been completely stripped down. It now features full-on race technology and enhanced safety equipment, replacing any luxury elements the car once had.

The front and rear seats have been replaced by a single high-performance Recaro race seat. The cabin now features a fully integrated FIA-compliant roll cage to ensure the driver’s safety in case of any race accidents.

Additionally, the car is equipped with the advanced Bosch Motorsport CAS-M collision avoidance system for extra protection. The GT3 model comes with the MotTec C187 dash logger, featuring a 7-inch color LCD display for comprehensive data logging like ECU information, data channels, warning alerts, lap times, fuel calculations, and more.

Photo Credit: Ford.com

Performance & Handling

Although no official figures have been released yet, considering the Dark Horse’s 500 horsepower, the new 5.4 version is expected to be upwards of 600 hp. To prevent oil starvation during high-speed cornering on the track, the wet sump system was replaced with a dry sump system.

Photo Credit: Ford.com

Multimatic Motorsports enhanced the car by adding components like a carbon fiber driveshaft, a 6-speed Xtrac racing transmission with ESA shift, and the E-Clutch Actuator from MEGA-Line to electronically control the four-plate AP Racing clutch system for optimal power transfer.

Photo Credit: Ford.com

The stock S650 comes equipped with the standard OEM MacPherson strut and multi-link suspension setup. While this choice has been reliable for street handling, enhancements were needed to elevate its performance. To achieve this, the factory system was replaced with double wishbone suspension for both the front and rear, providing greater precision in aligning the car.

Alongside the double wishbones, new coilovers inspired by the Multimatic DSSV system have been integrated. However, due to FIA GT3 regulations, electronic adjustments are not permitted, and neither the driver nor electronic adjustments can be made. Therefore, manual fine-tuning is required for precise calibration based on the specific track requirements, including adjustments for height, rebound, and compression.

Photo Credit: Ford Media Center

Another significant change was made to the brake system. The Brembo brake package was enhanced by replacing the 6-piston calipers with the high-performance Alcon 6-piston racing brake calipers, which now grip the large slotted brake rotors. Alcon is renowned for their expertise and history in endurance racing braking systems.

Summary

To sum up, the Ford GT3 is a track-focused vehicle designed and built to dominate the racing circuit, claiming trophies race after race. Stay tuned to witness what the upcoming race season has in store for the GT class and witness the 2024 Ford Mustang GT3 make its mark!

2024 Mustang Mustang GT3 Specifications

Engine	Coyote 5.4L Ti-VCT V8 Engine
Engine Type	Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement	5.4L
Transmission	6 Speed Manual
Horsepower	500+ HP (unknown)
Torque	418+ TQ (unknown)
Suspension (F/R)	Double wishbone with Multimatic DSSV Dampers
Front Brakes	Alcon 6 Piston Brakes
Rear Brakes	Alcon 4 PistonBrakes
Wheels & Tires	18” American Racing Wheels