Ford GT

Ford GT: An American Supercar Legend

The Ford GT is a remarkable blend of history, innovation, and high-performance engineering. Originally inspired by the legendary GT40 that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1960s, the Ford GT has become an icon in its own right across two modern generations, embodying Ford’s commitment to pushing boundaries in design and technology.

The first modern Ford GT debuted in 2004 as a tribute to the original GT40, celebrating Ford’s centennial with a stunning blend of retro design and modern engineering. Powered by a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 producing 550 horsepower, this GT could reach speeds over 200 mph and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. Its combination of a lightweight aluminum chassis, race-inspired suspension, and aggressive styling made it a highly sought-after supercar and an instant collector’s item.

Ford reintroduced the GT in 2016 with a focus on advanced technology, aerodynamics, and lightweight materials. This GT featured a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine producing 647 horsepower, extensive carbon fiber construction, and active aerodynamics, allowing it to reach 216 mph. The second-generation GT was a race-bred machine that celebrated Ford’s motorsport legacy by returning to Le Mans, where it won its class in 2016, exactly 50 years after the original GT40’s victory. Limited to just over 1,350 units, this generation of the GT became a symbol of Ford’s engineering prowess and an exclusive collector’s dream.

Across both generations, the Ford GT has stood as a testament to Ford’s innovation, paying homage to its racing heritage while embracing modern technology. From its supercharged V8 roots to its turbocharged EcoBoost V6, the GT combines thrilling performance with precision engineering, making it a celebrated American supercar. The Ford GT continues to inspire enthusiasts worldwide, cementing its place as one of the most iconic and revered vehicles in automotive history.

Ford GT (2005 - 2006)

First Generation Ford GT - A Modern Revival of an American Icon

The 2004-2006 Ford GT is more than just a high-performance supercar—it’s a homage to a legendary era in motorsport and a testament to Ford’s engineering prowess. Inspired by the iconic Ford GT40, which dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1960s, the first-generation Ford GT was developed as a tribute to the original while embracing modern technology and engineering. Here’s an in-depth look at the story, design, and performance of the 2004-2006 Ford GT.

The first-generation Ford GT was born out of a desire to celebrate Ford’s centennial and pay tribute to the GT40, one of the most successful racing cars in history. In the 1960s, the GT40 achieved legendary status by defeating Ferrari at Le Mans and winning the 24-hour race four years in a row, from 1966 to 1969. The Ford GT40 became a symbol of American ingenuity and Ford’s commitment to motorsport.

By the early 2000s, Ford decided to honor this legacy with a modern supercar inspired by the GT40. Initially unveiled as the GT40 concept at the 2002 North American International Auto Show, the car generated immediate excitement, prompting Ford to put it into limited production. The production version, however, was named simply the Ford GT due to a trademark dispute over the GT40 name.

The design of the 2004-2006 Ford GT closely resembled the original GT40, with key updates to meet modern safety and performance standards. While it maintained the classic long, low, and wide stance, Ford designers ensured the new GT incorporated a sleek, aerodynamic shape and advanced materials. Some of its signature design elements included:

Low Profile and Wide Stance: At just over 44 inches tall, the GT kept the aggressive, low-slung profile that the GT40 was known for.

Twin Racing Stripes and Round Taillights: The dual racing stripes running from nose to tail were a direct nod to the original, and the round taillights paid homage to the GT40’s iconic rear styling.

Functional Aero Elements: The front splitter, large rear diffuser, and various air intakes all served a functional purpose, channeling air to improve cooling and downforce.

Despite its resemblance to the GT40, the 2004-2006 Ford GT was significantly larger and more comfortable inside, with a longer wheelbase and modern creature comforts. The design balanced retro inspiration with modern performance needs, making it both a beautiful homage and a capable supercar.

Under the hood, the Ford GT packed a formidable 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine that produced an impressive 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. The engine was mounted midship, just behind the driver, creating a near-perfect weight distribution that enhanced the car’s balance and handling. Key performance features included:

Supercharging: The Eaton supercharger provided instant throttle response and a linear power delivery, helping the GT accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of over 200 mph.

Lightweight Aluminum Chassis: The GT’s frame was crafted from lightweight aluminum, contributing to its impressive power-to-weight ratio and improving agility.

Six-Speed Manual Transmission: Ford equipped the GT with a six-speed manual transmission paired with a helical limited-slip differential, giving drivers precise control over the power and maximizing traction.

The engine’s deep, throaty growl and explosive power made the GT a thrilling car to drive, and its performance specs put it in direct competition with supercars from Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini.

Though it stayed true to the original GT40’s spirit, the 2004-2006 Ford GT incorporated modern engineering to ensure it met contemporary safety and performance standards. Key technical advancements included lightweight aluminum body panels to reduce weight, while a high-strength aluminum space frame offered rigidity and stability. The GT’s suspension used a double wishbone setup with coil-over shocks, and it had four-piston Brembo brakes on all four wheels.

Ford initially planned to build the GT in limited numbers, with only around 4,038 units produced from 2004 to 2006. Each GT was hand-assembled at Ford’s SVT (Special Vehicle Team) plant in Wixom, Michigan, ensuring a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. The GT was available in four standard colors: Mark IV Red, Midnight Blue, Quick Silver, and Speed Yellow, all with optional racing stripes.

This limited production made the GT highly sought-after, and it quickly became a collector’s item. In fact, demand for the car often exceeded supply, and values have continued to appreciate, especially for well-maintained, low-mileage models.

The 2004-2006 Ford GT didn’t just revive the iconic GT40; it redefined Ford’s position in the world of high-performance cars and demonstrated the automaker’s ability to create a world-class supercar. The GT remains a symbol of Ford’s engineering prowess, celebrating both its motorsport heritage and dedication to innovation.

The GT’s success and popularity ultimately paved the way for the third-generation Ford GT, introduced in 2016, which embraced even more advanced materials and technology. The 2016 GT returned to the Le Mans 24 Hours and won its class in 2016, completing the legacy started by the original GT40 and perpetuated by the 2004-2006 GT.

The 2004-2006 Ford GT is a remarkable chapter in Ford’s history, a supercar that honored the GT40 legacy while establishing itself as a modern icon. With its powerful supercharged V8, advanced engineering, and retro-inspired design, it captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide and stood toe-to-toe with Europe’s finest supercars.

Ford GT (2017 - 2022)

Second Generation Ford GT - A Technological Marvel and Return to Racing Glory

When Ford revealed the second-generation GT in 2015, it was clear the American automaker had crafted a supercar that was both a technological marvel and a tribute to its rich motorsport heritage. This GT wasn’t just a powerful machine; it was a precision-built race car designed to honor the legacy of the GT40 while incorporating cutting-edge aerodynamics, materials, and engineering. With a return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a class victory on the 50th anniversary of Ford’s historic 1966 win, the second-generation GT firmly established itself as a modern icon. Here’s an in-depth look at the 2016-2022 Ford GT.

The second-generation Ford GT was born from Ford’s desire to return to Le Mans and celebrate the GT40’s legendary success in the 1960s. In 1966, the Ford GT40 made history by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, ending Ferrari’s winning streak and claiming victory for Ford for four consecutive years. In 2015, Ford announced the return of the GT and its plan to race it at Le Mans in 2016, exactly 50 years after the original GT40’s victory.

This new GT was designed from the ground up as a road-legal race car. Ford’s engineers used the latest in aerodynamic technology and lightweight materials, creating a supercar that was as advanced as it was beautiful. With a mid-engine layout, active aerodynamics, and lightweight carbon fiber construction, the 2016 Ford GT was engineered to be one of the most competitive supercars on the planet.

The second-generation GT’s design is both futuristic and functional, shaped primarily by the demands of aerodynamics. Every line, vent, and surface was meticulously crafted to optimize airflow, downforce, and cooling. Notable design features include:

The GT’s body was designed in a teardrop shape, maximizing aerodynamics and minimizing drag. This profile was inspired by endurance racing prototypes, where aerodynamics are critical to performance. The GT features distinctive flying buttresses at the rear, which channel air to improve stability at high speeds. These buttresses also help direct airflow to the rear wing and side-mounted intercoolers, enhancing both cooling and aerodynamic efficiency. The GT is equipped with a deployable rear wing that automatically adjusts based on speed and driver inputs. This wing provides additional downforce when needed and can retract to reduce drag on straightaways.

The GT’s aggressive styling, with its low stance, sharp edges, and large rear diffuser, all contribute to its high-performance capabilities while giving it a menacing, race-ready appearance.

One of the most surprising aspects of the second-generation Ford GT was its engine. Rather than the traditional V8, Ford opted for a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 twin-turbo engine, a choice that underscored Ford’s commitment to advanced engineering and efficiency. This engine produced an astonishing 647 horsepower (in the road-going version) and 550 lb-ft of torque, allowing the GT to reach top speeds of 216 mph.

Ford chose the EcoBoost V6 for its balance of power, weight, and efficiency, and the engine was directly influenced by Ford’s experience with turbocharged engines in racing. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GT could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. The transmission provided lightning-fast shifts and helped the GT deliver power seamlessly, making it one of the fastest production cars Ford had ever built.

To achieve maximum performance, Ford built the GT using an extensive amount of carbon fiber and aluminum. The car’s monocoque chassis and body panels were constructed from carbon fiber, drastically reducing weight and increasing rigidity. The lightweight structure, combined with advanced aerodynamics, gave the GT an excellent power-to-weight ratio, which contributed to its agility and handling precision.

Other components, such as the suspension and subframes, were crafted from aluminum to further reduce weight while maintaining strength. The GT’s extensive use of lightweight materials made it an exceptionally responsive car on both the road and track.

The second-generation GT featured a race-inspired pushrod suspension system with adjustable ride height and adaptive dampers. This suspension setup allowed the GT to handle like a true race car, providing remarkable control and agility at high speeds. Key elements of the GT’s handling includes the GT’s suspension could lower the car by several inches, effectively increasing aerodynamic downforce and improving stability. In “Track Mode,” the GT sits at its lowest setting, enhancing cornering and agility on the track.

The hydraulic dampers provided an adaptive setup that adjusted to driving conditions in real-time, optimizing comfort on the road and performance on the track. Designed specifically for the GT, these high-performance tires provided exceptional grip, allowing drivers to push the car’s handling limits with confidence. The GT’s handling dynamics, coupled with its lightweight construction and aerodynamic design, made it one of the best-handling supercars of its time.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the second-generation GT was its return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2016, Ford entered the GT in the GTE-Pro class, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the GT40’s legendary 1966 win. The GT proved its capabilities by winning its class, completing a perfect storybook return to Le Mans.

The Ford GT’s success at Le Mans wasn’t just about nostalgia; it showcased Ford’s engineering excellence and confirmed the GT’s status as a world-class racing machine. The Le Mans-spec GT, known as the GT LM, was specially modified for endurance racing, featuring enhanced aerodynamics, reduced weight, and race-tuned components.

The second-generation Ford GT was built in extremely limited numbers, with just over 1,350 units produced between 2016 and 2022. Ford carefully selected buyers to ensure that the GT would go to true enthusiasts, and the production was extended due to high demand and the car’s overwhelming popularity. Each GT was hand-assembled in a state-of-the-art facility in Markham, Ontario, by Multimatic, a Canadian engineering company known for its work in motorsport.

With such exclusivity and high demand, the Ford GT quickly became a collector’s item, with values on the used market often exceeding its original price.

The second-generation Ford GT is more than just a car; it’s a statement of Ford’s ability to produce a world-class supercar. By combining advanced aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and a high-performance EcoBoost V6, Ford created a car that paid tribute to its Le Mans-winning heritage while embracing modern technology. The GT’s triumph at Le Mans in 2016 further cemented its legacy, making it one of the few modern supercars with both race-winning credentials and road-going capability.