Redefining innovation in aerodynamics, EcoBoost and light-weighting, the all-new Ford GT takes aim at high-performance exotics.
- All-new Ford GT supercar sets new standards for Ford
innovation through performance with advances in light-weighting,
aerodynamics and ultra-efficient EcoBoost® engine
- Ford GT features the most powerful EcoBoost
production engine ever – a new twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6
producing more than 600 horsepower
- Ultra-high-performance supercar is Ford’s most
extreme offering, infused with race-proven technology engineered to keep
company with exotics when it goes into production in 2016
The all-new Ford GT serves as a technology showcase for top EcoBoost®
performance, aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fiber construction.
The GT is one of more than 12 new Ford Performance
vehicles coming by 2020. It joins Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350
and Shelby GT350R in the growing Ford Performance lineup.
Beginning production in late 2016, the GT hits the
road in select global markets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford
GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“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.”
The all-new GT supercar features rear-wheel drive, a
mid-mounted engine, and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell.
It is propelled by the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever – a
next-generation twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600
horsepower.
The GT makes extensive use of lightweight materials,
including carbon fiber and aluminum – enabling outstanding acceleration
and handling with improved efficiency.
Ford’s commitment to and capability in delivering
technologies typically offered only in elite vehicles is evident in the
GT. These include advanced active aerodynamics, such as a deployable
rear spoiler, and a host of material and technology innovations to help
better serve the driver, such as SYNC® 3 – the latest version of Ford’s
advanced connectivity system.
“The GT is the ultimate execution of an enthusiast
supercar,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product
Development. “GT includes innovations and technologies that can be
applied broadly across Ford’s future product portfolio – another proof
point that Ford continues raising the performance bar while ultimately
improving vehicles for all of our customers.”
Carbon fiber innovation
Few innovations provide a more wide-ranging
performance and efficiency advantage than reducing weight. All factors
of a vehicle’s capabilities – acceleration, handling, braking, safety,
efficiency – can improve through the use of advanced, lighter materials.
The all-new GT features advanced lightweight
composites, which will help serve Ford’s entire product lineup moving
forward. With the broad application of structural carbon fiber elements,
the GT will exhibit one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any
production car.
Anchored by a carbon fiber passenger cell, the GT
features aluminum front and rear subframes encapsulated in structural
carbon fiber body panels. Carbon fiber is one of the world’s strongest
materials for its mass – enabling an ultra-stiff foundation for chassis
components, while creating a lighter overall package for increased
dynamic performance and efficiency.
Most powerful production EcoBoost ever
Ford EcoBoost technology is available in every new Ford car, utility and light-duty pickup in North America.
EcoBoost engines power a growing number of Ford
performance models, including the new Mustang, just-announced F-150
Raptor, as well as Fiesta ST and Focus ST.
Based on the same race-proven engine architecture
serving Ford’s IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance racing efforts, the
next-generation twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the GT
features a wide powerband with impressive time-to-torque
characteristics.
The engine demonstrates remarkable efficiency – a key
attribute of its endurance racing-derived powertrain, where exceptional
performance combined with efficiency is a critical competitive
advantage.
Ford’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 raced to three wins in
its first season of the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in
2014, including a win in the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring, and won
the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona to start the 2015 season.
The GT features an all-new, port/direct dual
fuel-injection setup to improve engine response, plus a low-friction
roller-finger-follower valvetrain. The twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6
will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle for
near-instantaneous gear changes and exceptional driver control.
Aero innovation gets active
Aerodynamic efficiency is at the heart of the GT design, actively reducing drag while aiding downforce and stability.
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.
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.
An active rear spoiler is keyed to both speed and
driver input, reactively deploying and adjusting its height and/or pitch
angle depending on conditions.
Designed for purpose
While it shares a legacy with classic Ford racing and
performance cars, GT is a fully contemporary and functional shape that
communicates modernity and pure beauty.
The state-of-the-art chassis is suspended by an
active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension, with adjustable
ride height. 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. Multi-spoke wheels encircle carbon-ceramic
brake discs at all four corners.
The narrow-profile canopy reduces frontal area and
caps a purposeful interior that provides state-of-the-art technology to
ensure control, comfort and safety. 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 direct sensory
connection to the chassis. The fixed seating is combined with 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.
“While we hope enthusiasts rejoice about this all-new
GT, all Ford customers will benefit from the ultimate performance Ford
and its new-generation innovations,” said Nair.
