Gen 7 Mustang Supercar makes Bathurst debut

FORD has today revealed its first race-ready seventh-generation Mustang with the 2023 Mustang GT ‘Gen 3’ Supercar uncovered in pitlane at Mount Panorama ahead of this weekend’s Bathurst 1000.

The global first appearance of a seventh-gen Mustang in racing guise arrives almost a year before the first production model is due in Aussie showrooms. The race-going Mustang was prepared by Ford’s homologation team Dick Johnson Racing in conjunction with Ford Performance in anticipation of the 2023 season.

Dick Johnson himself will be the first to drive the new Mustang at Bathurst in a preview lap this afternoon.

Ford Australia says the Gen 3 Mustang GT Supercar more closely resembles its road-going counterpart with the production-based Coyote V8 engine, low roofline and long bonnet that “makes the Mustang the world’s favourite sports car”.

For the 2023 season, Ford will back teams including Dick Johnson Racing, Tickford Racing, Grove Racing, and Blanchard Racing Team, as well as the new-to-Mustang team Walkinshaw Andretti United.

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

“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 truer today than ever. The Mustang GT Supercar is ready to race in 2023.”

Echoing Mr Rushbrook’s sentiments, Ford Australia and New Zealand president and CEO, Andrew Birkic, said unveiling the seventh-generation Mustang Supercar is a proud moment for the Blue Oval Down Under.

“We’re very proud to be showing the world our new Mustang Supercar, and what better place to do it than at the Great Race here at Mount Panorama,” said Mr Birkic.

“It’s a special moment to be able to uncover this car in front of passionate Ford fans, alongside all our Supercars drivers. 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.

“This car looks sensational, it’s loud, it’s fast and we can’t wait to see it hit the track,” he said.

The Bathurst 1000 kicks off today for practice, before qualifying on Friday. The 1000km race begins on Sunday, October 9.

The seventh-generation Ford Mustang will hit Australian roads in late 2023.