Automotive

Ford redefines the GT with carbon, aerodynamics and a frugal 600hp V6

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Designed as a showcase for its next-generation EcoBoost engine and lightweight construction technologies, the GT boasts the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever and is one of at least 12 new Ford Performance vehicles promised over the next four years (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
Although each surface on the GT is functionally crafted to manage airflow, it also features fully active aerodynamic components to improve braking, handling and stability.
The two-seat cockpit is accessed by upward-swinging doors, and features driver and passenger seats integrated directly into the carbon fiber passenger cell. This configuration significantly reduces seating hardware and weight, and provides a consistent and Ford claims the arrangement offers a “direct sensory connection to the chassis.” The fixed seating means that Ford has employed adjustable pedals and steering column to accommodate a very wide range of driver statures.
The two-seat cockpit is accessed by upward-swinging doors, and features driver and passenger seats integrated directly into the carbon fiber passenger cell. This configuration significantly reduces seating hardware and weight, and provides a consistent and Ford claims the arrangement offers a “direct sensory connection to the chassis.” The fixed seating means that Ford has employed adjustable pedals and steering column to accommodate a very wide range of driver statures.
The two-seat cockpit is accessed by upward-swinging doors, and features driver and passenger seats integrated directly into the carbon fiber passenger cell. This configuration significantly reduces seating hardware and weight, and provides a consistent and Ford claims the arrangement offers a “direct sensory connection to the chassis.” The fixed seating means that Ford has employed adjustable pedals and steering column to accommodate a very wide range of driver statures.
From its optimum tear-drop shape to its aircraft-inspired fuselage and visibility-enhancing curved windshield, every slope and shape is designed to minimise drag and optimise downforce.
Aerodynamic efficiency is at the heart of the GT design, actively reducing drag while aiding downforce and stability.
Ford’s new GT incorporates vastly improved and active aerodynamics, stripping weight through the extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber composites plus aluminum front and rear subframes, and delivering a mid-mounted, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower.
Weight is the enemy of all performance vehicles, and Ford has done an admirable job with carbon fiber composite construction used extensively in the GT. The full carbon fiber driver/passenger cell has aluminum front and rear subframes and then structural carbon fiber body panels are also employed to ensure a very light but tight package. The GT will also have “active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension”, with adjustable ride height.
Ford’s new GT incorporates vastly improved and active aerodynamics, stripping weight through the extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber composites plus aluminum front and rear subframes, and delivering a mid-mounted, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower.
Ford’s new GT incorporates vastly improved and active aerodynamics, stripping weight through the extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber composites plus aluminum front and rear subframes, and delivering a mid-mounted, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
Weight is the enemy of all performance vehicles, and Ford has done an admirable job with carbon fiber composite construction used extensively in the GT (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
Ford’s new GT incorporates vastly improved and active aerodynamics, stripping weight through the extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber composites plus aluminum front and rear subframes, and delivering a mid-mounted, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
Weight is the enemy of all performance vehicles, and Ford has done an admirable job with carbon fiber composite construction used extensively in the GT (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
Designed as a showcase for its next-generation EcoBoost engine and lightweight construction technologies, the GT boasts the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever and is one of at least 12 new Ford Performance vehicles promised over the next four years (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
Ford’s new GT incorporates vastly improved and active aerodynamics, stripping weight through the extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber composites plus aluminum front and rear subframes, and delivering a mid-mounted, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
Ford’s new GT incorporates vastly improved and active aerodynamics, stripping weight through the extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber composites plus aluminum front and rear subframes, and delivering a mid-mounted, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
Designed as a showcase for its next-generation EcoBoost engine and lightweight construction technologies, the GT boasts the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever and is one of at least 12 new Ford Performance vehicles promised over the next four years.
Weight is the enemy of all performance vehicles, and Ford has done an admirable job with carbon fiber composite construction used extensively in the GT (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
The new GT has been slated for production in 2016 and promises to once more give the European exotics some serious hurry-up, just as the original GT40 did when it famously went after Ferrari’s endurance crown and won the Le Mans 24 Hour race four times in a row from 1966 to 1969 (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
Weight is the enemy of all performance vehicles, and Ford has done an admirable job with carbon fiber composite construction used extensively in the GT (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
Designed as a showcase for its next-generation EcoBoost engine and lightweight construction technologies, the GT boasts the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever and is one of at least 12 new Ford Performance vehicles promised over the next four years (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
The new GT has been slated for production in 2016 and promises to once more give the European exotics some serious hurry-up, just as the original GT40 did when it famously went after Ferrari’s endurance crown and won the Le Mans 24 Hour race four times in a row from 1966 to 1969.
Ford’s new GT incorporates vastly improved and active aerodynamics, stripping weight through the extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber composites plus aluminum front and rear subframes, and delivering a mid-mounted, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower.
The all-new GT supercar features an active rear spoiler which adjusts its height and pitch angle depending on speed, conditions and driver input – currently only a handful of supercars offer active aerodynamics and although no price has yet been set for the GT, it certainly won’t cost anywhere near as much as the likes of top-of-the-line Ferraris, Paganis and Bugattis with the ability to morph between high downforce and low drag as the mood suits them.
The 20-inch wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires featuring a unique compound and structure designed specifically for the Ford GT and carbon ceramic brake discs are used on all four wheels (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
The new GT has been slated for production in 2016 and promises to once more give the European exotics some serious hurry-up, just as the original GT40 did when it famously went after Ferrari’s endurance crown and won the Le Mans 24 Hour race four times in a row from 1966 to 1969 (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)
An F1-style steering wheel integrates all necessary driver controls, creating a stalkless steering column that allows uncluttered access to the transmission paddle-shift controls. A fully digital and configurable instrument cluster provides a wealth of driver-focused data. The display is configurable for multiple driving environments and different driving modes.
An F1-style steering wheel integrates all necessary driver controls, creating a stalkless steering column that allows uncluttered access to the transmission paddle-shift controls. A fully digital and configurable instrument cluster provides a wealth of driver-focused data. The display is configurable for multiple driving environments and different driving modes.
An F1-style steering wheel integrates all necessary driver controls, creating a stalkless steering column that allows uncluttered access to the transmission paddle-shift controls. A fully digital and configurable instrument cluster provides a wealth of driver-focused data. The display is configurable for multiple driving environments and different driving modes.
The GT and GT40 were cars defined by their big V8 engines so it’s interesting to see Ford moving to a V6 engine for the third coming of the name. The powerplant is based on the same twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine architecture used in Ford’s IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance cars which took three wins (including the 12 Hours of Sebring) in the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in 2014.
From its optimum tear-drop shape to its aircraft-inspired fuselage and visibility-enhancing curved windshield, every slope and shape is designed to minimize drag and optimize downforce.
From its optimum tear-drop shape to its aircraft-inspired fuselage and visibility-enhancing curved windshield, every slope and shape is designed to minimize drag and optimize downforce.
Designed as a showcase for its next-generation EcoBoost engine and lightweight construction technologies, the GT boasts the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever and is one of at least 12 new Ford Performance vehicles promised over the next four years.
The rear-wheel-drive, mid-engined GT will begin production late in 2016 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ford GT40’s legendary 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The rear-wheel-drive, mid-engined GT will begin production late in 2016 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ford GT40’s legendary 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Ford GT was produced in 2005 and 2006. This picture is from the original announcement of the car.
The start of the historic 1966 Le Mans race where Ford finally conquered Ferrari.
GT40s now fetch vast sums at auction.
Ford's GT40 at Le Mans in 1969
Carroll Shelby and one of the original GT40s.
The winners of the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hour race, New Zealanders Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, flanking Henry Ford II. McLaren went on to found the McLaren marque after giving Ford its finest moment in racing.
It's now 14 years since Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford announced at the same show in 2002 that Ford would build the GT40 to help celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
Ford's mouth-watering third-generation GT
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
The third generation GT from Ford at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag)
View gallery - 74 images

Ford delivered a bombshell at NAIAS today by redefining its sportiest ever model (the GT) for a second time, incorporating vastly improved and active aerodynamics, stripping weight through the extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber composites plus aluminum front and rear subframes, and delivering a mid-mounted, twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower. Though no figures have been placed on the car's overall weight as yet, Ford promises the GT will have "one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car."

The new GT has been slated for production in 2016 and promises to once more give the European exotics some serious hurry-up, just as the original GT40 did when it famously went after Ferrari's endurance crown and won the Le Mans 24 Hour race four times in a row from 1966 to 1969.

It's now 14 years since Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford announced at the same show in 2002 that Ford would build the GT40 to help celebrate its 100th anniversary.

It's now 14 years since Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford announced at the same show in 2002 that Ford would build the GT40 to help celebrate its 100th anniversary.

The winners of the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hour race, New Zealanders Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon, flanking Henry Ford II. McLaren went on to found the McLaren marque after giving Ford its finest moment in racing.

The rear-wheel-drive. mid-engined GT will begin production late next year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Ford GT40's legendary 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Sadly, it will only be available in "select global markets" and the recipient countries have not yet been defined.

The start of the historic 1966 Le Mans race where Ford finally conquered Ferrari.

Designed as a showcase for its next-generation EcoBoost engine and lightweight construction technologies, the GT boasts the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever and is one of at least 12 new Ford Performance vehicles promised over the next four years.

"As we at Ford drive innovation into every part of our business, it's worth remembering that our first innovation as a company was not in a laboratory, but on the racetrack," said Mark Fields, Ford president and chief executive officer, referring to Henry Ford's win of a 1901 car race that inspired financial backers to invest in his company. "We are passionate about innovation through performance and creating vehicles that make people's hearts pound."

From its optimum tear-drop shape to its aircraft-inspired fuselage and visibility-enhancing curved windshield, every slope and shape is designed to minimize drag and optimize downforce.

The all-new GT supercar features an active rear spoiler which adjusts its height and pitch angle depending on speed, conditions and driver input – currently only a handful of supercars offer active aerodynamics and although no price has yet been set for the GT, it certainly won't cost anywhere near as much as the likes of top-of-the-line Ferraris, Paganis and Bugattis with the ability to morph between high downforce and low drag as the mood suits them.

Weight is the enemy of all performance vehicles, and Ford has done an admirable job with carbon fiber composite construction used extensively in the GT. The full carbon fiber driver/passenger cell has aluminum front and rear subframes and then structural carbon fiber body panels are also employed to ensure a very light but tight package. The GT will also have "active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension", with adjustable ride height.

Weight is the enemy of all performance vehicles, and Ford has done an admirable job with carbon fiber composite construction used extensively in the GT (Photo: Loz Blain/Gizmag.com)

The GT and GT40 were cars defined by their big V8 engines so it's interesting to see Ford moving to a V6 engine for the third coming of the name. The powerplant is based on the same twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine architecture used in Ford's IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance cars which took three wins (including the 12 Hours of Sebring) in the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in 2014.

The engine uses dual (both port and direct ) fuel-injection, plus a low-friction roller-finger-follower valve-train and will drive through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The 20-inch wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires featuring a unique compound and structure designed specifically for the Ford GT and carbon ceramic brake discs are used on all four wheels.

From its optimum tear-drop shape to its aircraft-inspired fuselage and visibility-enhancing curved windshield, every slope and shape is designed to minimize drag and optimize downforce.

The two-seat cockpit is accessed by upward-swinging doors, and features driver and passenger seats integrated directly into the carbon fiber passenger cell. This configuration significantly reduces seating hardware and weight, and provides a consistent and Ford claims the arrangement offers a "direct sensory connection to the chassis." The fixed seating means that Ford has employed adjustable pedals and steering column to accommodate a very wide range of driver statures.

An F1-style steering wheel integrates all necessary driver controls, creating a stalkless steering column that allows uncluttered access to the transmission paddle-shift controls. A fully digital and configurable instrument cluster provides a wealth of driver-focused data. The display is configurable for multiple driving environments and different driving modes.

Designed as a showcase for its next-generation EcoBoost engine and lightweight construction technologies, the GT boasts the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever and is one of at least 12 new Ford Performance vehicles promised over the next four years.

View gallery - 74 images
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11 comments
Rehab
amazing car, well done.
Martin Hone
Just goes to show how good the original was when Ford can revamp the concept and offer it again, almost 50 years later......
Chevypower
I wouldn't be shocked if 600HP is a real conservative tease, I am sure Ford will want to blow the Hellcat away. Though even at 600HP, I am sure it still would.
Scott Jarvis
I wonder if Thule will make a cargo box for this :-)
Derek Howe
Good job Ford, that car looks stunning!
Steve Jones
Maybe even better looking than the original?
Buzzclick
The exterior design is way too busy. It's like a cross between something Italian and the GT40, but fails to pull it off. Keep it simple Ford!
Dave Andrews
Beautiful! Of course, I have no idea what was meant by the word "frugal" since neither the price nor gas mileage is mentioned...
Robert Flieger
I would like to see a chart comparing the specs of the three generations of these cars.
Gargamoth
I know now where I've seen this interior! That car company that made the Fiero. If you're going to take decades to revamp a car, like Ford did with the Mustang, the least they can do is get some help working on the interior.