Ford Hypercar Roars to Life in First Official Track Test

Ford’s upcoming FIA World Endurance Championship Hypercar has completed its first official track test, giving fans their first chance to hear the race car’s naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 in action.

The test car was driven by Matt Campbell, one of six drivers expected to compete with the Ford Hypercar during its debut WEC campaign in 2027.

Ford Hypercar begins track testing

The Ford Hypercar is one of only two FIA WEC Hypercar entries that will use a naturally aspirated V8 engine. Its 5.4-liter powerplant shares distant roots with Ford’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8, although the race engine has been extensively reworked for endurance competition.

During the test, the Hypercar’s hybrid system was used when the vehicle left the pits before the V8 fired up on track, according to Ford Authority.

Campbell drove the car during the ride-along footage, which was recorded from behind his shoulder inside the cockpit. The interior features “Go Like Hell” text, referencing Carroll Shelby’s line from Ford v. Ferrari encouraging his driver to push the race car to its limits.

The test marks another step toward the Hypercar’s planned debut in the 2027 FIA WEC season.

Ford’s 5.4-liter V8 is heavily modified

Although the engine has connections to Ford’s Coyote family, the 5.4-liter V8 is not simply a larger version of the 5.0-liter engine used in Ford’s road cars.

Ford initially expected to carry over more of the engine architecture from the Mustang GT3, but the demands of Hypercar competition ultimately required substantial changes. The resulting engine underwent machining work to reduce weight and increase its maximum engine speed, allowing Ford to extract more power without relying on the hybrid system for additional output.

The engine’s cylinder heads resemble those used on the production Coyote externally, but the internals are significantly different. They feature diamond-like carbon valve coatings along with other modifications developed for the racing application.

Ford has not yet disclosed the Hypercar’s final power output. FIA WEC regulations cap the car’s total output at 671 horsepower, however, leaving the exact figure for Ford’s race car yet to be announced.

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