SEMA 2016: Ford Mustang GT4 revealed

Want to race a Ford Mustang? Now you can with the GT4 race car, arguably the most intense new Mustang money can buy.

Ford says its turn-key racer is ready to rumble right out of the box, fitted with a specially-prepped chassis, roll cage and race-tuned V8 powertrain, all adhering to the increasingly popular – and affordable – GT4 class.

Making its global debut in Las Vegas at the 2016 SEMA show, there's every chance the iconic Pony car could be tearing up and down Mount Panorama in the near future too, with GT4 racers taking part in the 2017 Bathurst 12-hour race held every February. That means we could see the famous muscle car rubbing fenders with the likes of BMW's M4, the Porsche Cayman, Aston Martin Vantage and McLaren 570S down Conrod Straight.

Although Ford isn't saying exactly how much power the tough new Mustang racer generates, it's powered by a modified version of the flat-plane crankshaft V8 fitted to the $US49,995 Shelby GT350, which pumps out 392kW and 581Nm. We rated that car 89/100.

The Mustang GT4's 5.2-litre V8 engine has been "specifically tuned for GT4 competition" says Ford, built by Ford Performance in partnership with Roush Yates Engines. The high-revving V8, which spins past 8000rpm, is coupled with a heavy-duty six-speed Holinger paddle shift sequential transmission.

A dry sump oil system, ZF-developed twin-plate racing clutch and flywheel are designed to deliver reliable performance under racing extremes.

As required by GT4 rules, the Mustang racer is fitted with an FIA-compliant rollcage and Motec dashboard telemetry and rides on 18x11-inch forged alloy wheels fitted with racing slicks.

Chassis upgrades include six-piston calipers from Brembo, along with significantly upgraded (and lowered) suspension, namely Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers from Multimatic and new rear lower control arms and front/rear stabiliser bars.

Last but not least are the aerodynamic revisions to the Mustang's bodywork, "the design of which was derived from lessons learned by the Ford GT racing program" says the Blue Oval.

A giant rear wing delivers more downforce over the rear axle, a beefy front splitter does the same for the front end. There's also a rear splitter and dive planes to improve aero while bonnet venting is meant to improve engine cooling.

The look is tied together with a grey exterior paint for this particular vehicle, which will be the first of many Ford Mustang GT4 race cars.

Ford reckons its new GT4 racer will be a hit with customers, the global director of Ford Performance, David Pericak, saying: "the Mustang GT4 is equipped to compete and win on tracks around the globe, and we expect it to be as popular with racers as its production sibling is with consumers.

"As the Mustang nameplate continually expands its presence in markets throughout the world, so does our relevant motorsport presence," he said.

And the sound of the Mustang's 5.2-litre race-tuned V8 singing at 8000rpm up Mount Panorama could be heard sooner than you think.