Video: Testing the new Ford Mustang GT3 ahead of its Daytona debut

24th January 2024

Simon Ostler

It’s the dawn of a new era in GT racing as the arrival of the new GT3 cars promises the return of a number of manufacturers to the likes of Daytona and Le Mans. Ford is one of those that, for what seems like the longest time, has been absent from the highest level of endurance motorsport.

The Ford GTs run by Chip Ganassi in both the World Endurance Championship and IMSA Sportscar Championship fell off the grid at the end of 2019, and since then the famous blue oval has been content to sit at the sidelines.

Things are about to change however, because the Ford V8 has got its roar back, and this time it’s been lowered into the front of the brand-new Ford Mustang GT3. We got a first look at this new car when it was revealed at Le Mans in 2023, and it immediately got us excited. The addition of a bit more V8 power to any grid is always going to be a good thing, and the Mustang has long been an icon of motoring, so it’s great to have that name back on some of the world’s most famous grids.

It’ll line up at Daytona this weekend for its debut showing in the IMSA championship, where it will be competing against Ferraris, Porsches, Corvettes and more, and from the onboard footage we see here during its early testing runs, if nothing else it’s going to sound absolutely sublime. Enjoy this hot lap of Sebring as this gorgeous engine gets put through its paces.

Welcome to Goodwood Elevenses, a helping of motoring-related amusement to help break up your day. Watch the last video: Carlos Sainz dices with the limit in his Subaru rally car