Ford Motor Co. in Dearborn is returning to the top tier of prototype sports car racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027, looking to recapture the magic and success of Ford racing nearly 60 years ago.

After the 1960s, Ford exited from the top-tier prototype class and competed in production-focused class racing around the world. In 2016, it won the Le Mans GT class with a mid-engine GT, and then finished second in the GT class last year with the debut of its Mustang GT3.

The Ford Motor Co. will return to the top level of prototype sports car racing in 2027 in the World Endurance Championship series with a factory team that will compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “We are entering a new era for performance and racing at Ford.

Ford racing boss Mark Rushbrook told Road & Track that the brand has already decided on a chassis partner and a total number of cylinders for its 2027 Le Mans hopeful.

The 512 S was Ferrari’s answer to the iconic Porsche 917 in 1970. It featured a 5.0-liter V-12 engine making around 553 horsepower. The cars were moderately successful, including an overall victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring, with a driver squad that included Mario Andretti. This car also appeared in the famous Steve McQueen film Le Mans.

Ford is making a full-factory return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027, with a new LMDh prototype competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).The announcement made in Charlotte, North Carolina,

Ford is gearing up to take on the likes of Cadillac, Ferrari, and Porsche in the FIA World Endurance Championship, whose blue-ribbon race is Le Mans.

Ford announced plans Thursday to enter an LMDh prototype in the World Endurance Championship in 2027, taking the American manufacturer back to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the top category of sports car racing.