Ford has introduced the all-new GT supercar; a ultra-high-performance supercar serving as a technological showcase that features Eco-Boost propulsion, interactive aerodynamics, and innovative weight reduction techniques. Powered by the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever — a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 capable of over 600-horsepower — the all-new 2016 GT also salutes the 50th Anniversary of the Ford GT race cars that finished 1-2-3 at the 24-hours of Le Mans in 1966. Although some of the original prototype GTs were outfitted with enormous 7.0-liter engines, others were equipped with lighter 4.9-liter V8s. At any rate, the all-new 2016 Ford GT is poised to take on all of the exotic supercars and should serve as a reminder that Ford has always taken its inspiration from the racetrack, instead of the board-room. “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 will be a rear-wheel driven vehicle with a mid-mounted engine and a sleek, aerodynamic, carbon-fiber and aluminum body shell. By utilizing the most innovative weight reduction techniques in the industry, acceleration, handling, safety, and braking can all be performed with improved efficiency. The body shell is specially designed to minimize drag and maximize downforce and stability. 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. Anchored by the 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. Automatic adaptive active aerodynamics (including a deployable rear spoiler) also aid in keeping the GT planted firmly on the track. “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.”
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. 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.
“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.
