Ford certainly captured media attention on the first press day of the Detroit show with the unveil of a new GT, an ultra-high-performance supercar that serves as a technology showcase for top EcoBoost performance, aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fibre construction.
Beginning production late next year, the GT hits the road in some global markets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. Insiders at the show were even hinting at the automaker’s return to Le Mans with the supercar.
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The GT has rear-wheel drive, a mid-mounted engine and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell. Under the bonnet is the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever – a next generation, twin turbocharged V6 producing over 600hp.
The supercar makes extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fibre and aluminium while technology includes advanced active aerodynamics, such as a deployable rear spoiler, and a host of material and technology innovations such as SYNC 3 – the latest version of the brand’s connectivity system.
Anchored by a carbon fibre passenger cell, the GT features aluminium front and rear subframes encapsulated in structural carbon fibre body panels, creating an ultra-stiff foundation for chassis components and a lighter overall package for increased dynamic performance and efficiency.
Ford product development chief Raj Nair said: “The GT is the ultimate execution of an enthusiast supercar. GT includes innovations and technologies that can be applied broadly across Ford’s future product portfolio.”
The GT is one of more than 12 new Ford performance vehicles coming to the US by 2020. It joins Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R in the growing performance line there.
