FORD is set to release the reins on the hottest new road and race variants from its iconic Mustang family as the company heads back to the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2023.
The new Mustang GT3 racecar – first revealed ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans last month, and the new Mustang Dark Horse 1 – the road-legal, track-ready precursor to a new family of racecars including Mustang GT3 and Mustang GT4, will make dynamic debuts while belting out their V8 soundtracks to crowds at the event near Chichester, UK, July 13-16.
The world-famous Goodwood Hillclimb delivers the perfect stage to explore the limits and demonstrate the true capabilities of a car synonymous with freedom and performance. That’s why Ford will also deliver the first look at an exciting new member of the Mustang family at Goodwood on July 14 – not only pulling back the covers, but also showcasing its driving potential.
The exciting reveal will happen at the event’s First Glance Paddock at 13:00 CET (12:00 MIDDAY BST), July 14.
“Mustang is a car that can stir emotions like no other, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed hosts some of the most passionate car fans in the world, so to unveil our newest member of the Mustang family here is a match made in heaven,” said Darren Palmer, vice president, Electric Vehicle Programs, Ford Model e.
Ford also will deliver the dynamic debut of another American icon at Goodwood. The new, electric Explorer mid-size crossover 2 – combining striking American style with German engineering for customers in Europe – can be seen in action for the first time.
The American brand is also celebrating 50 years of the FIA World Rally Championship, with the car that helped drive Ford motorsport into a new era with its hybrid powertrain, the M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1, returning to the scene of its 2021 unveiling.
And Ford is not only pushing the boundaries of performance at Goodwood in 2023, but is continuing to use its platform to challenge automotive industry stereotypes too. The company will host an all-female panel of inspirational industry figures at the Ford show stand as they discuss themes including how EVs are creating new purchasing and ownership experiences and opportunities for women.
Visitors to the stand can also participate in energy-generating challenges using a special kinetic energy-capturing floor and an exciting cycling competition inspired by Ford’s Share the Road and Park the Car initiatives.
American icons in action for the first time
Ford will return to the scene of one of its most defining motorsport victories with the new Mustang GT3 racecar in July 2024, after last month officially entering Mustang into the global FIA GT3 category of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Turning heads with a bold new look from Troy Lee – recognised as one of the premier motorsports designers in the world – the racer is powered by a Ford Performance-developed, 5.4-litre V8 engine assembled by M-Sport, and features bespoke suspension, transaxle gearbox, aero-package and carbon fibre body panels.
The Mustang GT3 racecar is based on the new Mustang Dark Horse, which was designed as the ultimate expression of track capability and a foundation for Mustang-based motorsport programmes. Mustang Dark Horse’s tuned 5.0-litre V8 features a dual throttle-body intake, auxiliary oil cooler and lightened radiator with enhanced cooling capability. It sends power through an optional six-speed TREMEC manual transmission and Torsen limited-slip differential to staggered wheels, equipped with new generation Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tyres developed specifically for the car.
“At the heart of any Mustang is a driving experience that leaves you wanting more,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “This is the spirit that will continue to live in every Mustang – whether petrol, electric, road or race. It’s why Ford loves coming to Goodwood – to share our passion with an audience that agrees motorsport-ready performance should be available to anyone who wants to experience it.”
Unveiled earlier this year, the new electric Ford Explorer will arrive with customers in 2024 and leads the way for a new wave of bold, iconic electric vehicles that are steeped in Ford’s American roots and designed for Europe. Its outstanding digital experience includes a fully loaded infotainment system, 15-inch movable screen 3 and wireless app integration, 4 while the interior is primed for adventure with a private locker and 17-litre central console big enough to hold a laptop.
Taking the exciting Ford Goodwood line-up to its limits will be motorsport professionals including rally drivers Ott Tänak, and Adrien Fourmaux, alongside team principal Malcolm Wilson, all from the M-Sport Ford World Rally Team that campaigns the Puma Hybrid Rally1 – Ford’s first electrified competition motorsport car globally. FIA World Endurance Championship driver, Harry Tincknell, and seven-time British Motorsport Champion, Paul Swift, will also take wheel duties.
Also attending to meet with customers and media will be Darren Palmer, vice president, Electric Vehicle Programs, Ford Model e, Doug Field, chief advanced product development and technology officer, Ford Motor Company, and Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports.
| Vehicle | Static Location | Hillclimb Driver | Date |
| Ford Mustang GT3 | Ballroom Paddock | Harry Tincknell | July 14, 15, 16 |
| Ford Mustang Dark Horse | First Glance Paddock | Paul Swift and Precision Driving team | July 13, 14, 15, 16 |
| Ford Explorer | First Glance Paddock | Paul Swift and Precision Driving team | July 13, 14, 15, 16 |
| M-Sport Ford Puma Hybrid Rally1 | Cathedral Paddock | Adrien Fourmaux Malcolm Wilson Ott Tänak | July 13, 14, 15, 16 |
| New Mustang family member | First Glance Paddock | Adrien Fourmaux Harry Tincknell Ott Tänak | July 14, 15, 16 |
