Ford’s new 5.4‑liter V‑8, branded under the Coyote name, has begun its road to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the engine’s first dyno run captured in a short video released on Monday.
Dyno test shows engine at full revs
The clip shows the power unit completing a simulated lap of the Circuit de la Sarthe, hitting 9,000 rpm as the engine roars. While the audio is not continuous, the brief sound segment gives fans a taste of the naturally‑aspirated V‑8’s character. The footage comes from Ford Racing’s driver‑in‑loop simulator, which includes a small section of bodywork to approximate the car’s eventual shape.
According to the outlet’s From The Road blog, the simulation aims to replicate the driver’s eyeline, meaning the raised fenders and flattened nose visible in the video likely resemble the final design. The post notes that the engine’s performance on the dyno is an important step toward testing the complete Oreca‑based LMDh chassis later this month.
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Testing schedule and race plans
Ford has not set a public date for unveiling the complete Le Mans racer, but the upcoming dyno test suggests a debut is imminent. The car is slated to enter competition when the FIA World Endurance Championship begins early next year, with a Le Mans appearance scheduled for 12 June.
No confirmation exists for entry in the IMSA GTP series, so the vehicle will not race in North America in the near term.
Development work continues at Ford Racing’s facilities, where engineers are fine‑tuning the powertrain and aerodynamics.
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Ford’s return to top‑class endurance racing marks the first time the automaker will field a V‑8‑powered LMDh entry, a departure from the hybrid power units commonly seen in the category. The strategy appears to blend traditional engine characteristics with modern hybrid technology, aiming to balance performance with efficiency.
Overall, the video serves as both a technical update and a teaser for enthusiasts awaiting the full reveal. The engine’s sound, captured at high revs, highlights Ford’s commitment to maintaining the visceral appeal of a naturally‑aspirated V‑8 while meeting the demands of modern endurance competition.
