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Ford Powers Up WEC Drive with Second Test Car Reveal
Highlights
- Ford introduces second LMDh test car at Monza later this month
- First car focuses on control systems, second on mechanical performance
- Upcoming Le Mans-distance simulation scheduled for November at Aragon
- Car powered by 5.4L V8 based on Mustang’s Coyote engine
- Official car launch and name reveal planned for Thanksgiving
Ford will expand its World Endurance Championship preparation by adding a second LMDh test car at Monza later this month, accelerating development ahead of its planned 2027 campaign.
Developed with ORECA, the as-yet-unnamed prototype gains a twin-track programme: one chassis targets mechanical performance, the other concentrates on control systems calibration and integration.
The approach mirrors Ferrari’s early 499P testing, when a second car accelerated learning that underpinned multiple Le Mans 24 Hours victories.
Hypercar programme manager Dan Sayers says early mileage prioritises hybrid control refinement. Hardware changes stay limited to protect data quality. The second car lets performance staff chase speed and reliability.
Ford adds a second LMDh test car at Monza to split development between performance and controls.
Monza running will feed a full Le Mans-distance simulation at Aragon in November, a critical checkpoint for reliability, energy deployment, and pit operations under race conditions.
Power comes from a 5.4‑litre naturally aspirated V8, derived from the Mustang’s Coyote architecture, paired with the LMDh hybrid system governed by the FIA‑ACO framework.
A Le Mans-distance run at Aragon in November will stress-test reliability, energy management, and procedures.
The car first ran at Paul Ricard on August 5. Around 1,300 kilometres followed across alternating test days, creating analysis windows that sharpened control logic and operational procedures.
Extensive Portimao mileage then exposed development priorities. Subsequent Silverstone running shifted to longer stints, timely as the circuit returns to the WEC calendar next season.
Ford says the programme remains on schedule. An official launch and name reveal is planned for Thanksgiving, with rising talent Alex Quinn linked to a drive.
Official launch and name reveal are planned for Thanksgiving, ahead of a 2027 campaign.
Running two test cars should compress learning, reduce configuration clashes, and de‑risk homologation. That matters in a crowded Hypercar field where execution and reliability define early competitiveness.
Visual Summary
#1
CONTROL SYSTEMS
#2
PERFORMANCE
Initial Testing
1,300 KM
(Paul Ricard)
🏁
1,300 KM
(Paul Ricard)
🏁
V8
Mustang Coyote
5.4L “Heart”
🐎
Mustang Coyote
5.4L “Heart”
🐎
Official Launch
Nov
(Thanksgiving)
Nov
(Thanksgiving)
Paul Ricard
Portimao
Silverstone
+2nd Car
Monza
Aragon
“Two cars. Twice the knowledge.
Ford gears up for Hypercar glory.”
(Ford’s 2027 LMDh on track for WEC, Nov reveal)
Zane Muniz writes across NASCAR, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, NHRA, and dirt-racing news. His breaking-news alerts and event previews ensure motorsport fans never miss a lap, drift, or drag-strip showdown.
