Ford has launched the Ford Performance sub-brand in Australia, which will see models like the Mustang and Ranger Raptor be parked under it. To go along with the announcement, the carmaker also revealed the Mustang will go racing in the 2019 Supercars season. The Ranger Raptor has also been named the official recovery vehicle for the race series.
Currently, the Falcon FG X continues to compete in the Supercars series despite the end of road-car production in October 2016 when the Blue Oval ceased manufacturing operations in the country.
The Mustang will be the replacement for the sedan, and Ford’s return to Supercars will see them team up with DJR Team Penske and Tickford Racing to homologate the model for racing. Both teams are currently competing in the 2018 season with Falcon FG Xs.
From 2017, teams will adhere to the ‘Gen2 Supercar’ model, which was first announced in December 2014. Base guidelines include a model that is publicly available for sales in Australia, is front-engined, right-hand drive and have a minimum production volume of 5,000 cars of the same body style worldwide.
The requirement that all cars be four-door sedans has also been lifted, which allows for two-door coupes like the Mustang to enter the series for the first time. Meanwhile, the race car version must use the ‘Car of the Future’ chassis and specified control components. They must also be rear-wheel drive and must accurately reflect the look of the road car.
As for what goes under the bonnet, Ford will use a 5.0 litre V8 in its Mustang racer, although the new rules allow for downsized power units like twin-turbo V6s with an engine capacity of between 3.5 and 3.8 litres. All cars are also subject to current engine and aero parity rules.
“There’s been a lot of speculation and calls for Mustang to be on the track, and as a Ford Performance model that’s raced around the world, it’s fitting that Australia’s most popular sports car should be on our race tracks,” said Graeme Whickman, president and CEO of Ford Australia.
“The Mustang nameplate is one the of the most legendary in the world and we are proud to have it lining up on our grid in 2019. I know Australians, New Zealanders and our fans around the world will be just as excited as I am to see the Mustang take to our tracks in the world’s best Touring car racing,” added Sean Seamer, CEO of Supercars Australia.
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Great move by Ford! Absolute masterstroke in marketing.
Ford Mustang here 500K is super bargain!
Thats a cool trailer
Perhaps, the return of Godzilla?
U mean the Original Godzilla(GTR) from the land of the rising sun !!