New Ford GT: Ford's fastest production model ever
FORD With a top speed of 347 km/h, the Ford GT is Ford's fastest production model to date. The super sports car, whose racing version has already won a class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, benefits among other things from the most powerful EcoBoost production power unit ever. The 3.5-liter, six-cylinder bi-turbo produces 647 SAE horsepower (the European kW/hp figures are not yet [...]
The 3.5-liter, six-cylinder bi-turbo produces 647 SAE horsepower (the European kW/hp values have not yet been homologated) and impresses with its impressive performance characteristics. 90 percent of the torque is already available at 3500 rpm. In combination with the aerodynamically sophisticated carbon fiber body and the innovative Active Dynamics System as well as the active aerodynamic and suspension elements, the new Ford GT also impresses with outstanding performance on the race track. Inspired by motorsport and designed for maximum performance, the teardrop design reduces drag and generates aerodynamic downforce at high speeds with active air control elements.
Equipped in this way, the new Ford GT continues the successful history that has distinguished this super sports car for more than five decades. In the hunt for top times, it leaves renowned competitors behind. During test drives at the Canadian Calabogie Motorsports Park racetrack, the new edition of the iconic mid-engine model was faster than the McLaren 675LT and the Ferrari 458 Speciale. All three cars went out in identical external conditions, with the same professional race driver at the wheel and under exactly the same conditions to chase best times. This included not only fresh tires and new operating fluids but also the optimum chassis set-up for this circuit. The lap times for comparison: Ford GT: 2m 09.8s, McLaren 675LT: 2m 10.8s and Ferrari 458 Speciale: 2m 12.9s.
"The Ford GT is an ultra-high performance vehicle," emphasizes Raj Nair, Ford Motor Company vice president responsible for product development worldwide. "Thanks to the carbon fiber construction, we achieved significant weight savings. This gave us additional leeway elsewhere - especially in areas particularly relevant for maximum performance, such as the active aerodynamic and suspension systems. The result is further improved driving performance."
With an unladen weight of less than 1400 kilograms, the Ford GT ranks exactly between its two main competitors. The resulting power-to-weight ratio of 2.14 kilograms per horsepower is among the best of all production vehicles. Thanks to the active aerodynamic and suspension systems, the Ford GT scores in every driving situation with high downforce values, low drag and exemplary vehicle balance.
In its debut year, the racing version of the Ford GT took a total of six class victories in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech series, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Eight times the mid-engine racer started from the pole position of fastest in practice.
