Ford unveils supercar
The blue oval marque has unmasked its all-new GT, a high-performance supercar. The Ford GT, which made its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, is one of more than 12 new Ford Performance vehicles coming by 2020. It joins the Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R in the growing line-up. Beginning production late next year, 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 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. The all-new supercar features rear-wheel-drive, a mid-mounted engine, and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell. It’s propelled by the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever – a next-generation twin-turbocharged V6 producing more than 600hp. Technologies in the GT include advanced active aerodynamics, such as a deployable rear spoiler, and material and technology innovations to help better serve the driver, such as SYNC 3 – the latest version of Ford’s advanced connectivity system. It boasts advanced lightweight composites, which will help serve the marque’s entire line-up moving forward. Anchored by a carbon-fiber passenger cell, the GT features aluminum front and rear sub-frames encapsulated in structural carbon fiber body panels. EcoBoost engines power a growing number of Ford performance models, including the new Mustang, just-announced F-150 Raptor, as well as the Fiesta ST and Focus ST. The next-generation twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 in the GT features a wide power band with impressive time-to-torque characteristics. It has an all-new, port/direct dual fuel-injection set-up 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. The 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 tyres featuring a unique compound and structure designed specifically for the model. Multi-spoke wheels encircle carbon-ceramic brake discs at all four corners. 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 reduces seating hardware and weight, and provides a consistent and direct sensory connection to the chassis. An F1-style steering wheel integrates all necessary driver controls, creating a stalkless column that allows uncluttered access to 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.
