A couple of years ago there was a lot of talk about Ford launching a successor to its GT supercar built briefly during the last decade. Not much has been heard since but the rumor mill is starting to spin into action with news out that the Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] is considering a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a new GT supercar.

MUST SEE: Here's A Challenger SRT Hellcat Third-Gear Burnout To Celebrate Official $59,995 Price Tag: Video

Citing industry sources, motorsport news site Sportscar365 is reporting that Ford is considering a Le Mans entry as early as 2016 as a means to mark the 50th anniversary of the legendary GT40’s famous win at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. The new GT would compete in the GTE category for production-based cars, which will have new regulations for 2016. A previous proposal to return to Le Mans with a GTE-spec Mustang was said to have been shot down by senior Ford execs last year.

If the report proves true, it would mean Ford and its new GT would be competing against the likes of Aston Martin, Chevrolet, possibly Dodge, Porsche and Ferrari (via AF Corse) in the world-famous race. Another automaker considering taking advantage of the regulations change in 2016 with its own Le Mans return is McLaren.

Unfortunately, we’re already into the second half of 2014, which means if Ford was planning to introduce a new GT and go racing by 2016 we should have at least seen a prototype or even just a test mule by now, so don't hold your breath.

Note, a handful of firms build Ford GT-based race cars, such as Germany’s Lambda Performance and previously Switzerland’s Matech. Ford tuner Galpin will also build you a 'new' version that it calls the GTR-1.