Ford Racing, previously recognized as Ford Performance, has revealed plans to introduce an EVO kit for its Mustang GT3 platform. This update is scheduled to debut during the 2026 season, serving as a crucial evolution in Ford’s commitment to international GT3 competition. After two years of racing experience, the EVO package is expected to refine the car’s performance and reliability while helping Ford-backed teams remain competitive in IMSA, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and other top-level series.
Mustang GT3: From Debut to Development
2024 Season – A Challenging Start
The Mustang GT3 entered the racing spotlight at the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona in 2024. While its debut generated excitement, the season exposed several teething problems. Reliability issues plagued the car across multiple races, forcing Ford to implement fixes during the year.
A mid-season erratum update brought notable improvements, particularly strengthening the boot lid and diffuser, both of which had proven problematic during early endurance outings. These changes helped stabilize the car’s performance for the remainder of the season.
Technical Foundation
Developed by Ford Performance and Multimatic, the Mustang GT3 is built on the seventh-generation Mustang platform. It is powered by a 5.4-liter naturally aspirated Ford Coyote V8 and paired with a rear-mounted Xtrac sequential gearbox. Additional highlights include carbon-fiber aerodynamics and DSSV adjustable dampers, providing a modern, competitive package for GT3 competition.
Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| EVO Kit Launch | Scheduled for 2026 global racing season |
| Initial Issues | Reliability problems in 2024; mid-season fixes to boot lid and diffuser |
| 2025 Highlights | GTD Pro class win at Daytona; Nürburgring 24 Pro/Am victory; Spa podium |
| Key Teams | Multimatic (factory), Proton Competition (WEC), HRT, Gradient, Dollahite |
| Engine | 5.4L naturally aspirated Ford Coyote V8 |
| Transmission | Rear-mounted Xtrac sequential transaxle |
| Chassis Features | Carbon-fiber aero, DSSV dampers, modular build |
| Next Step | EVO package details to be revealed by Ford closer to 2026 |
2025 Season – Rising Momentum
Daytona Triumph
The 2025 season marked a turning point. The factory-backed Multimatic team scored a milestone victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, winning the GTD Pro class. This achievement was particularly significant as it showcased the Mustang’s growing reliability and competitiveness on one of endurance racing’s biggest stages.
Nürburgring Success
At the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours, the Mustang GT3 earned further accolades. Partner team Haupt Racing Team (HRT) finished fourth overall, while also taking the top spot in the SP9 Pro/Am class. This performance proved the car’s adaptability in one of the toughest endurance races in the world.
WEC Progress
In the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Mustang GT3 also made strides. Proton Competition, which runs Ford’s LMGT3 program, delivered its best result yet with a second-place finish at Spa in 2025, following a third-place finish at Le Mans the year prior. However, the program faced difficulties as well, with major setbacks caused by fire incidents during races in Bahrain (2024) and Qatar (2025).
Expanding Presence in IMSA and GT World Challenge
Beyond its factory and European campaigns, customer teams expanded the Mustang’s racing footprint.
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Gradient Racing fields the car in IMSA.
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Dollahite Racing represents the Mustang in GT World Challenge America. Notably, Dollahite’s team rebuilt an entire chassis during the season to keep their campaign alive, underlining both the car’s resilience and the determination of privateer teams.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 EVO Kit
Purpose of the EVO Upgrade
The EVO kit is designed as a natural step in the Mustang GT3’s evolution. These packages are common in GT racing, where manufacturers introduce mid-cycle upgrades to enhance aerodynamics, improve durability, and fine-tune handling based on real-world competition feedback.
Ford’s Vision
Ford announced that the EVO package is intended to refine the Mustang’s global competitiveness. The upgrade comes as part of Ford’s broader motorsport strategy and will coincide with the company’s 125th anniversary of its first race victory, underscoring its long-standing motorsport heritage.
Details Still Under Wraps
At present, Ford has not released specific technical details or images of the EVO kit. Insights into revised bodywork, aerodynamic improvements, or engine updates are expected closer to its debut. Ford has confirmed, however, that the EVO package will be available to both factory and customer teams worldwide.
FAQs
Q: What is the Mustang GT3 EVO kit?
A: The EVO kit is a mid-cycle upgrade package that refines the Mustang GT3’s performance through updated aerodynamics, reliability fixes, and handling improvements.
Q: When will the EVO kit debut?
A: The EVO kit will be introduced for the 2026 global racing season.
Q: Which teams are currently running the Mustang GT3?
A: The platform is raced by Multimatic (IMSA factory effort), Proton Competition (WEC), Haupt Racing Team (Nürburgring), Gradient Racing (IMSA), and Dollahite Racing (GT World Challenge America).
Q: What were the Mustang GT3’s biggest issues in 2024?
A: Reliability problems centered on the boot lid and diffuser, which were corrected with mid-season updates.
Q: Has the Mustang GT3 achieved major wins?
A: Yes, highlights include the Daytona 24 GTD Pro class win in 2025, a fourth-place finish overall at Nürburgring 24, and podiums in the WEC with Proton Competition.
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