Ford has unveiled the all-new GT supercar in Detroit, a mid-engined coupe that will go into production in 2016 powered by a new twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6 with more than 600hp.
Ford describes it as an “an ultra-high-performance supercar” that serves as a technology showcase for top EcoBoost performance, aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fiber construction.
The Ford GT will feature the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever, as well as race-proven technology that will allow it to compete with exotics when it goes into production in late 2016.
The launch year was chosen specifically to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. The all-new GT supercar features rear-wheel drive, a mid-mounted engine, and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell.
It makes extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fiber and aluminum, which will undoubtedly benefit acceleration and handling. After all, Ford promises “one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car.” The Ford GT gets a carbon fiber passenger cell, as well as aluminum front and rear sub-frames encapsulated in structural carbon fiber body panels.
The supercar will also include advanced active aerodynamics, such as a deployable rear spoiler, and a series of material and technology innovations such as SYNC 3 – the latest version of Ford’s advanced connectivity system.
The twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter engine is based on the race-proven engine architecture serving Ford’s IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance racing efforts and is said to feature a wide powerband with impressive time-to-torque characteristics.
In the GT, the engine features an all-new, port/direct dual fuel-injection setup to improve engine response, plus a low-friction roller-finger-follower valvetrain. The powerplant will be mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle transmission. The chassis is suspended by an active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension, with adjustable ride height, and the car also gets carbon-ceramic brake discs at all four corners.
As for the design, the Ford GT is obviously paying homage to the original GT race car spiced with modern design cues that make it look sharper and more aggressive. The car rides on 20-inch wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires featuring a unique compound and structure designed specifically for the Ford GT.
Inside, the two-seat cockpit features driver and passenger seats integrated directly into the carbon fiber passenger cell, combined with adjustable pedals and steering column. An F1-style steering wheel integrates all necessary driver controls, allowing uncluttered access to the transmission paddle-shift controls. The fully digital instrument cluster provides driver-focused data and is configurable for multiple driving environments and different driving modes.
Unfortunately, there’s no official word yet on performance specs.
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