Ford is preparing an all-new road-going sports car – and we don't have to wait long to see it – Autocar
Ford Racing is on the cusp of unveiling its first “all-new” sports car since its motorsport and road-car operations were merged.
At its 2026 season launch event on 15 January, it will provide a first glimpse at the new car, described by Ford Racing chief Mark Rushbrook as “a testament to how deeply we’re integrating our racing innovation into the vehicles you drive every day”.
It will be the first in a new line of models after Ford Performance was overhauled with a view to strengthening the relationship between the brand’s road cars and its thoroughbreds.
What form the new car will take remains yet to be announced, but there are several possibilities.
Ford CEO Jim Farley recently hinted at the prospect of a 1000bhp Ranger Raptor pick-up truck inspired by the brand’s Dakar Rally contender, for example, telling Bloomberg: “No one has ever built a supercar for gravel, high-speed sand, dirt.”
Prototypes of an updated Ford Mustang GTD supercar with a more aggressive aerodynamics package have also been spotted testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Ford is looking to usurp long-time rival General Motors’ Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 after it took the record for American cars at the hallowed German circuit earlier this year – but Ford’s description of the imminent arrival as “all-new” would suggest it won’t be a variant, but rather a bespoke model.
Alongside the hint at the new performance car, Ford will use its January launch event to give more details of its new Formula 1 powertrain, which will power next year’s Red Bull and Racing Bulls cars.
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The new Ford GT is technically wonderful, brilliant to drive, and to be admired because it’s a £420,000 supercar from the people who usually bring you Fiestas
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As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, creating content for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.
Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.
He is the proud owner of a Mk4 Mazda MX-5 but still feels pangs of guilt over selling his first car, a Fiat Panda 100HP.
How about something with an RS badge on its rump?, the RS200 was killed of by rallying rule changes way back, a new Ford designed around the car would be interesting.
Wow! HUGE news! Will they fill the massive gap between the brilliant Mustang GT and EPIC GT40? or something even more affordable than the Mustang? A hot hatch, maybe? 86 competitor coupe? The only thing certain is the drivers car scene for those of us who can’t afford Maclarens and Ferraris just got whole lot HOTTER!!!
You’re going to be disappointed when it turns out to be a dual motor Capri. 😉
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