Ford unveils GT carbon fiber supercar

FORD combines the most powerful EcoBoost (R) engine ever, advanced lightweight carbon fiber construction, and aerodynamics in its all-new GT ultra-high-performance supercar.

 

Set for production in late 2016, the GT will be one of the more than 12 new Ford Performance vehicles to launch in 2020 and will mark the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. It will be available in select global markets to join the growing Ford Performance lineup comprising the Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT350R.

 

The rear-wheel drive GT supercar features a mid-mounted engine, and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell. It also packs the latest version of Ford’s advanced connectivity system, the Sync (R) 3.

 

Lightweight yet powerful

 

The GT uses structural carbon fiber elements to deliver one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car. It is anchored by a carbon fiber passenger cell, with the aluminum front and rear subframes encapsulated in structural carbon fiber body panels.

 

One of the world’s strongest materials for its mass, carbon fiber provides an ultra-stiff foundation for chassis components at a lighter overall package. This enables greater dynamic performance and efficiency.

 

With the adoption of advanced lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum, the GT supercar delivers outstanding acceleration and handling with greater efficiency, and improved braking and overall safety capability.

 

This breakthrough innovation in light-weighting is complemented by the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever. The GT runs on a next-generation twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 capable of more than 600 horsepower and a wide powerband with impressive time-to-torque characteristics. This uses the same race-proven engine architecture in Ford’s IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance racing efforts.

 

The GT has an all-new, port/direct dual fuel-injection setup for better engine response, a low-friction roller-finger-follower valvetrain, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle for near-instantaneous gear changes and exceptional driver control.

 

EcoBoost engines will be available in every new Ford car, utility, and light-duty pickup in North America beginning this year.

 

Aerodynamics in sleek design

 

Designed for greater aerodynamics, the GT adopts a tear-drop shape, aircraft-inspired fuselage, and visibility-enhancing curved windshield for reduced drag yet improved downforce.

 

Each surface is functionally crafted to manage airflow while enhancing braking, handling, and stability with fully active aerodynamic components. The car’s active rear spoiler is keyed to both speed and driver input to enable reactive deployment and adjustment of the height and/or pitch angle.

 

 

The car’s design blends the classic Ford look with a modern and functional shape. Its state-of-the-art chassis is suspended by an active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension. It has a narrow-profile canopy and a two-seat cockpit accessible through upward-swinging doors.

 

The driver and passenger seats are directly integrated into the carbon fiber passenger cell to reduce seating hardware and weight while providing a consistent and direct sensory connection to the chassis.  

 

All necessary driver controls are integrated in an F1-style steering wheel. The fully digital and configurable instrument cluster supports multiple driving environments and various driving modes.

 

The GT’s 20in wheels use Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires with a specially designed compound and structure. Multi-spoke wheels encircle carbon-ceramic brake discs at all four corners.