What’s Changing with Ford’s Performance Division?
If you’ve been following Ford’s high-octane adventures, you might have noticed a big shift. Ford Performance, the brand’s go-to for all things fast and furious, is now officially Ford Racing. But this isn’t just a new name slapped on old ideas. It’s a signal that Ford is doubling down on its passion for motorsport—and bringing that energy straight to the cars you can actually buy.
Why Did Ford Performance Become Ford Racing?
Let’s be real: car companies rebrand all the time. But Ford’s move is about more than just fresh logos and snazzy typefaces (though, yes, there’s a new blue oval badge with a bold Racing script). According to Will Ford, who heads up the new division, this is about breaking down the walls between the cars you see on the track and the ones you drive on the road. The goal? To make sure the thrill of racing isn’t just for the pros—it’s for anyone who gets behind the wheel of a Ford.
What Does This Mean for Ford’s Road Cars?
Here’s where things get interesting. Ford Racing isn’t just about building race cars and calling it a day. The division is gearing up to launch a whole new lineup of extreme road cars inspired by their motorsport programs. Think of the Mustang GTD—a wild, 800-horsepower beast designed to blur the line between street and circuit. That’s just the beginning.
Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, even teased the idea of a 1000-horsepower Ranger Raptor pickup, inspired by the brand’s Dakar Rally exploits. Imagine a supercar built not for smooth tarmac, but for gravel, sand, and dirt. It’s a bold vision, and it shows Ford’s willingness to push boundaries where few others dare.
Are Affordable Fast Fords a Thing of the Past?
Now, not everything is full throttle. There’s some uncertainty about the future of more accessible performance models. The Ford Focus ST—a favorite among enthusiasts—is nearing the end of its production run. Meanwhile, the Puma ST’s punchy 1.5-liter engine and manual gearbox were dropped last year, leaving only a less powerful 1.0-liter version in the lineup.
So, what’s left for UK buyers craving speed? Right now, it’s the V8 Mustang, the electric Mustang Mach-E GT SUV, and that smaller Puma ST. For fans of affordable, hot-hatch thrills, this might feel like the end of an era. But Ford Racing’s renewed focus on motorsport-inspired cars could mean fresh surprises down the road.
How Will Ford Racing Impact Motorsports and Fans?
The rebranding isn’t just for showrooms. Ford Racing’s new identity will be front and center on the brand’s actual race cars, starting immediately. But the real debut happens at marquee events like the Dakar Rally and Daytona 24 Hours next January. These aren’t just races—they’re proving grounds for the technology and ideas that will shape Ford’s future performance cars.
For fans, this means a closer connection between what happens on Sunday and what you can drive on Monday. It’s a return to the roots of performance car culture, where racing isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it’s the heart of the brand.
What’s Next for Ford’s Performance Legacy?
Ford’s move to unite its road and race car operations under the Racing banner is more than a nod to nostalgia. It’s a statement of intent. The company is betting big on the idea that motorsport DNA can—and should—live in every performance car it builds, whether it’s tearing up a rally stage or cruising your local streets.
Of course, the automotive world is changing fast. Electrification, new regulations, and shifting consumer tastes mean that even the most storied brands have to adapt. But if Ford Racing’s plans are any indication, the Blue Oval is ready to meet those challenges head-on, with a lineup that’s as exciting as it is innovative.
The Takeaway for Enthusiasts
If you love cars that make your heart race, Ford Racing’s new direction should be on your radar. Whether you’re dreaming of a street-legal track monster or hoping for the return of an affordable hot hatch, there’s plenty to watch for in the coming months. Ford’s message is clear: the spirit of racing isn’t going anywhere—it’s just getting started, and this time, everyone’s invited.