Today The Car Spotter will be discussing the brand new Ford GT that was unveiled at yesterday’s Detroit Auto Show.
At the Detroit Auto Show in 1995, the Ford GT90 concept was shown, at the Detroit Auto Show in 2002 the Ford GT40 concept was shown and yesterday, at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show the Ford GT concept was unveiled. The third variant of Ford’s supercar.
The well-loved V8 has been replaced with a twin-turbo 3.5 litre V6 Ecoboost engine, derived from the 3.5 litre engine fitted to Ford’s Daytona prototype that competed in last year’s United SportsCar Championship. The transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle.
This has come under a lot of scrutiny with Ford GT fans. The power is still very healthy with 600bhp being delivered to the rear wheels and a reported 0-60mph time of around 3.0seconds and a top speed above 200mph. Like the previous Ford GT, the supercar is mid-engined and has a very aerodynamic body.
Similar to the McLaren 650s and P1, the passenger cell is carbon and plenty of other carbon fibre and aluminium parts ensure the Ford GT is a very lightweight supercar. From the carbon fibre passenger cell are aluminium front and rear sub frames, encased in structural carbon fibre body panels – the wings at each side of the engine. The sleek body has active aerodynamics including a deployable rear spoiler.
Suspension parts include a racing-style torsion bar and pushrod engineering with adjustable ride height. The 20-inch alloys are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tyres designed specifically for the Ford GT. Braking power comes from carbon ceramic discs.
The Ford GT doors open upwards, seats are integrated directly into the carbon fibre passenger cell. The fixed seats have adjustable pedals and steering columns, like the Ferrari LaFerrari to accommodate various sizes of drivers. Other interior features include a fully customisable digital instrument cluster and an F1 style steering wheel that has all the driver controls, stalk-less steering column and paddle-shift controls.
Ford Performance announced they will be releasing 12 exciting new products before 2020. The all new Ford GT being just one these 12. Others include the Shelby GT350, Shelby GT350R, Focus ST and F-150 Raptor, all of which are at the Detroit Auto Show.
Personally, I think the Ford GT looks very appealing and sharp. The change of engine are due to the regulations and standards but it is clear why people would prefer a V8 to match the history of the Ford GT. The change in engine technology since the last Ford GT means the 3.5 litre V6 will be extremely capable of filling the gap left by the old V8. Certain resemblances with the old Ford GT can be seen, including the bonnet styling and general shape of the car, with the latest Ford GT having a very futuristic look. The car is set to be produced in 2016.
Specification:
Brand New Ford GT
0-60mph: 3.0 seconds
Top Speed: 200+mph (322+km/h)
Bhp: 600+
Torque: N/A
Engine: 3.5L V6
Transmission: 7 speed dual-clutch automatic, RWD
Weight: N/A
Price: N/A
What are your thoughts on the new Ford GT? Do you think swapping the V8 engine for a V6 is a good idea?
The v8 engine is the rEal american engine. Irreplaceable