2023 Ford Mustang Gen3 breaks cover

Here’s your first look at the new-for-2023 blue oval Supercar.

Story: Staff Writer

Photo Credits: Supplied

Supercars has beaten NASCAR, NHRA drag racing and GT competition to be the first to reveal the seventh-generation Ford Mustang GT in racing form.

Digital versions of the six confirmed track versions of the new pony car were previewed last month at the reveal of the new model in Detroit, but pitlane Mount Panorama played host to the first public look at a real-life version of this new generation racer.

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Ford Australia president and CEO Andrew Birkic was on-hand alongside Dick Johnson - who will hit the track later this afternoon for a demonstration run in the car - as well as the blue oval’s 2023 driver line-up.

“It’s a special moment to be able to uncover this car in front of passionate Ford fans, alongside all our Supercars drivers,” Birkic said. “It’s very fitting that Dick will take the car for its first laps this afternoon. He’s a legend of the sport, and an incredible ambassador for Ford.”

Gallery: 2023 Ford Mustang Supercar

The new-look Mustang was built by Dick Johnson Racing, which is Ford’s homologation team for the new Gen3 rules, and is finished with #17 and Johnson’s name on the window.

It’s powered by the new Coyote-based 5.4-litre V8 that makes more than 650hp and 650Nm, and also brings the racing car more in-line with the production Mustang.

Ford Performance’s global motorsport boss, Mark Rushbrook, is overseeing the roll-out of all the racing versions of the new Mustang and was proud to see the first example revealed to the public.

“It is fantastic to be able to show, for the very first time globally, the seventh-generation Mustang in racing form,” Rushbrook said.

“The reveal of the Mustang Supercar is the first of many, with Mustang to race in GT3, GT4, NASCAR and NHRA competition globally.

“Mustang has been an iconic brand on and off the track for 58 years and its legend will continue around the world. We always say Mustang was born to race, and that is more true today than ever. The Mustang GT Supercar is ready to race in 2023.”

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Ford will have five teams for the 2023 season, including high-profile new signing Walkinshaw Andretti United (the former factory Holden team), plus DJR, Tickford Racing, Grove Racing and Blanchard Racing Team.