Ford Redefines HOT Hardware With Drool-Worthy, EcoBoost-Powered GT Supercar
Be still my heart! Ford just dropped a bombshell on the audience at the Detroit Auto Show with the reveal of its latest supercar: the GT. Words just can describe how jaw-droppingly beautiful this car is from its flowing lines, to the way the roof blends into the rear fenders via a “wing”. It’s… simply… breathtaking.
But enough gushing over the gorgeous design; let’s get down to what’s powering this delicious piece of hot hardware. Rather than being powered by a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 — like the previous generation GT that debuted roughly a decade ago — the new GT makes use of a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that generates over 600 hp.
The GT also makes extensive use of carbon fiber for structural elements, including using the lightweight material for the passenger cell and body panels. Lightweight aluminum is used for the front and rear subframes, which will help the GT achieve “one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car” according to Ford.
Inside, you’ll find a minimalistic dashboard that includes Ford’s new Sync 3 infotainment system. What you won’t find inside is a manual transmission. While the previous generation GT made use of a traditional six-speed manual, Ford has no time for an “old school” transmission in its latest, high-tech supercar. Although Ford isn’t giving details at this time on the transmission, we’re guessing that it’s likely a dual-clutch unit with at least seven forward speeds.
“The GT is the ultimate execution of an enthusiast supercar,” said Raj Nair, Ford Group VP, 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.”
And we must stress that this isn’t just a concept; this is the real deal. The vehicle will go into production next year in “select global markets” to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ford stomping Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, with Ford GT40s sweeping the podium.
