Ford's next Le Mans hypercar has entered testing phase in France, finally revealing its design after months of development secrecy. The prototype appeared during track sessions ahead of the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it will compete in the hypercar category alongside rivals from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Toyota.
The car represents Ford's return to prototype racing at Le Mans after a decades-long absence. The American manufacturer partnered with Multimatic, the Canadian engineering firm behind the Ford GT's race program, to develop the machine from the ground up. The hypercar adheres to FIA regulations that cap power output around 500 horsepower and set strict weight and aerodynamic parameters designed to control costs and maintain competitive balance.
Testing in France allows Ford's engineers to gather data on handling, power delivery, and reliability before official competition begins. Early track work focuses on baseline performance and identifying any design flaws that need correction during development. The hypercar category itself has proven popular with manufacturers seeking prestige at motorsport's highest level without the unlimited budgets of previous eras.
Ford's entry signals the manufacturer's commitment to high-performance racing despite industry shifts toward electrification. While the hypercar uses conventional gasoline power, some competing hypercars incorporate hybrid or fully electric powertrains. Ford's strategy emphasizes proven combustion technology to ensure reliability over a 24-hour endurance event.
The 2027 Le Mans race represents a major milestone for both Ford and Multimatic. The partnership successfully rejuvenated Ford's racing image with the GT program, which won multiple world championships and class victories. That success translates to confidence in the hypercar program. Le Mans remains motorsport's most demanding test of durability, speed, and driver skill, making it the ideal venue to showcase Ford's engineering capabilities on the world stage.