[ad_1]
The Ford GT has already had 11 special editions, but this might be the best yet. The track-only Ford GT Mk IV had a long tail and was even more powerful.
Ford has said goodbye to the GT, but the American supercar isn’t going out without a bang. The final special edition was the Ford GT Mk IV, a track-only beast with 800 horsepower, a long-tail body, and a race-ready transmission. The name is a nod to the car that won Le Mans in 1967.
This isn’t the first track-day-special Ford GT to arrive since the car’s launch in 2016. That honor goes to the 2019 Ford GT Mk II, named itself as a nod to the car that won Le Mans in 1966 For that one, Ford tuned the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 to produce 700 horsepower and eliminated the adjustable ride height system.
The Mk IV stretched the Ford GT
For the Mk IV, Ford went beyond any previous iteration of the GT, starting with its very bones.
The Ford GT Mk IV has a longer wheelbase than the standard car. Adding extra distance between the wheels should provide higher speed stability on the circuit. Ford also says it will give the car “better handling on the track.”
On top of the longer chassis, Ford installed longer bodywork. Stretching the tail is a time-tested technique to help boost top speed and add aerodynamic stability. The original Mk IV of 1967 had an extended tail, and it became part of many other successful racers including the McLaren F1.
New Higher-Displacement V6
A new, special version of Ford’s 3.5L twin-turbo V6 is being cooked up by mad scientists at Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations Group, the company that makes vehicles for Ford. How special are you? It won’t be 3.5 L, for a start. Multimatic says it will have more displacement, and it was built with a target of more than 800 horsepower. That’s at least 140 more than the road car and 100 more than the last track special.
Ford and Multimatic are also giving it a new transmission. A “proper racing box,” as Multimatic’s Larry Holt calls it. We also expect some serious suspension changes. The car gets Multimatic’s Adaptive Spool Valve suspension — a big upgrade to high performance Multimatic spool valve standard GT dampers.
If you’re wondering why it’s a little vague on details and big on wow, it’s because Ford keeps details close to its corporate chest. The announcement here focuses more on ideas and potential than spring rates, downforce numbers, and other details we hate.
What is the company says?
Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports:
“The original GT Mk IV left no stone unturned for max track performance, and the new Ford GT Mk IV takes it the same way. Taking motorsport engineering and performance to a higher level, with an all-new carbon fiber body that functional and striking, the Mk IV is the latest installment of the third-generation supercar.”
Larry Holt, Executive Vice President, Multimatic:
“Multimatic’s brief was to create the most extreme final version of the Ford GT, and the Mk IV was the result. A unique larger displacement engine, proper racing gearbox, stretched wheelbase and truly radical bodywork have resulted in an unprecedented level of performance.”
Ultraexclusive Supercar
The Ford GT has always been a very low-volume car, with the automaker giving customers hoops to jump through to get a chance to buy one. This special edition Mk IV will be no different.
Only 67 of the cars will be built — again a nod to the original Mk IV’s 1967 win. Pricing for the cars will start at $1.7 million, which is about half a million more than the Mk II. Maybe it’s a bargain though; an original car auctioned in 1967 for about $3.5 million.
Ford is once again making customers apply for a small number of cars. The new The application process will open soon but must be completed in haste. The 67 selected customers will be confirmed in the first quarter of next year, and deliveries will begin in late spring. Expect more details about the car as that process heats up.
Ford GT Production Ends This Year, But Not Before Another Limited Edition
[ad_2]
Source link
