2019 Ford GT | Motor Archive

When Ford unveiled the first-generation Ford GT in 2005, it was more than just a sports car; it was a tribute to the company’s unparalleled racing history. Fast forward to 2015, and Ford shocked the automotive world once again with the reveal of the second-generation Ford GT,a car that would not only honour the legacy of its predecessor, the GT40, but also establish itself as a benchmark for modern supercars.

The story of the Ford GT is deeply rooted in the history of the Ford GT40, a car that famously secured a 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, dethroning Ferrari and cementing Ford’s place in motorsport history. The GT40’s four consecutive wins at Le Mans from 1966 to 1969 remain one of the most celebrated achievements in racing. When Ford decided to celebrate its centennial in 2003, the creation of the first-generation GT was a fitting homage to this storied past.

But the second-generation Ford GT, introduced for the 2017 model year, is not just a nostalgic nod to history,it’s a bold leap into the future of performance engineering. Developed in secret, this car was designed with one primary goal: to dominate the racetrack once again, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The new Ford GT’s design is a masterclass in aerodynamic efficiency. Every curve, every vent, and every angle was meticulously crafted with one purpose in mind: speed. The car’s teardrop profile is reminiscent of Le Mans Prototype (LMP1) cars, emphasising low drag and high aerodynamic efficiency. The rear fenders, known as ‘flying buttresses,’ channel air around the car and through the massive rear diffuser, increasing downforce while minimising drag.

Underneath its carbon fibre skin, the GT is a true race car at heart. The mid-engine layout, a hallmark of its predecessor, provides near-perfect weight distribution, while the pushrod suspension system, borrowed from Formula 1, allows for a lower centre of gravity and unparalleled handling. The hydraulic suspension can adjust the ride height on the fly, dropping to just 2.8 inches in Track mode to further optimise aerodynamics and handling.

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the new GT is its engine. While many expected a throaty V8 or even a V12, Ford instead opted for a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. Don’t let the cylinder count fool you,this engine is a technological marvel. Producing 647 hp (660 hp from 2020 onward) and 550 lb-ft of torque, this compact powerhouse allows for more flexibility in the car’s design and contributes to its remarkable performance figures.

The engine is paired with a Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensuring lightning-fast gear changes that keep the GT in its optimal powerband. The result? A car that rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 216 mph, making it one of the fastest production cars in the world.

The Ford GT’s interior is as focused as the rest of the car. Forget about luxury or practicality,this cockpit is designed for one thing only: driving. The seating position is fixed, with the pedals and steering wheel adjustable to the driver’s preference, ensuring the optimal driving position. The controls are minimalistic, with everything you need within arm’s reach, emphasising the GT’s singular focus on performance.

True to its heritage, the new Ford GT made its mark on the racing world almost immediately. In 2016, fifty years after the GT40’s historic win, the new GT claimed victory in the LM GTE-Pro class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, taking first and third in class. This achievement was a testament to the car’s design and engineering, reaffirming Ford’s place in motorsport.

The Ford GT is a statement, it’s a declaration that Ford, a company deeply entrenched in American automotive history, can still produce a world-class supercar that competes with the best from Europe. It’s a car that respects its past while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the present.

With its combination of cutting-edge technology, breathtaking design, and a racing pedigree that few can match, the Ford GT stands as one of the most iconic supercars of the modern era. Whether on the road or the racetrack, it’s a car that commands attention, respect, and admiration,just as the original GT40 did over half a century ago.