Ford unveiled the all-new GT, an ultra-high-performance supercar that serves as a technology showcase for top EcoBoost performance, aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fiber construction.
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Few innovations provide a more wide-ranging performance and efficiency advantage than reducing weight. All factors of a vehicle's capabilities can improve through the use of advanced, lighter materials. The all-new GT features advanced lightweight composites, which will help serve Ford's entire product lineup moving forward. With the broad application of structural carbon fiber elements, the GT will exhibit one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car.
Anchored by a carbon fiber passenger cell, the GT features aluminum front and rear subframes encapsulated in structural carbon fiber body panels.
Based on the same race-proven engine architecture serving Ford's IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance racing efforts, the next-generation twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the GT features a wide powerband with impressive time-to-torque characteristics. The new generation will come packing an EcoBoost V-6 engine whose twin-turbochargers to havee more than 600 horsepower. Some of the new features include updated direct-injection and valvetrain features, aimed at boosting performance and efficiency.
The engine demonstrates remarkable efficiency, a key attribute of its endurance racing-derived powertrain, where exceptional performance combined with efficiency is a critical competitive advantage. The GT features an all-new, port/direct dual fuel-injection setup 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 and exceptional driver control.
Aerodynamic efficiency is at the heart of the GT design, actively reducing drag while aiding downforce and stability Although each surface on the GT is functionally crafted to manage airflow, it also features fully active aerodynamic components to improve braking, handling and stability. An active rear spoiler is keyed to both speed and driver input, reactively deploying and adjusting its height and/or pitch angle depending on conditions.
In the case of Ford GT the old saying it true: "If you have to ask for the price, you don't have enough," but from what we know now, this will be one of the hottest supercars of 2015. ■
The main thing making weather headlines Friday and into the weekend will be the widespread coverage of showers and thunderstorms across much of the central and eastern U.S., with a particular focus across southeast Texas, the Mid-South, and portions of Virginia.
