When the Ford GT first appeared at the North American International Auto Show in January 2015, Ford described the car as “production intent.” Throughout the remainder of the design process, the company has been aiming to keep the eventual production car as close to the debut car as possible. There were a few items, such as the very thin mirror stalks, that were easily identifiable as destined to be changed, but it’s safe to say that overall very, very little separates the car today from the car at debut.
The design staff at Ford did a great job remaining true to their initial vision within the rules and guidelines carmakers are saddled with. Now that the car is out sporting a very Stormtrooper color scheme at NAIAS, let’s take a look at some of the subtle changes the car has undergone.
1. The Front Splitter
The 2016 NAIAS car features high gloss carbon all around, and one of the most stunning pieces is the new split-level front splitter. Gone is the solid-surface piece from the 2015 show car, replaced with a gorgeous new unit that sports slots on each side of a raised center.
2. A crazy new diffuser
The diffuser on the 2015 show car was attractive, but the new diffuser is positively jewel-like. The new piece has a number of additional vanes and the overall shape has changed slightly, including placement of the rear-view cam. A definite improvement.
3. Production Mirrors
We knew it would be difficult to bring the extremely thin mirror stalks and aerodynamic mirror casings to production, but the Ford design team has done a fantastic job of capturing the character of the original show pieces in the production units. The mirrors are larger, rounder, and rest on a wider stalk, but they look gorgeous, especially with the new carbon (and presumably optional) caps.
4. Headlights
The interior material on the headlights has changed ever so slightly. The headlights are one of the best and most advanced design details on the car and they have made it intact.
5. A “Squircle” gas cap
The circular gas cap of the 2015 debut car has been replaced by a squircle door.
7. Interior controls & seat materials
Not major changes, but the button configuration and shape has changed slightly. The PRDNM knob has changed positions and the functionality of the remaining control buttons is different. You can also see an optional pleated leather seat surface has replaced the material in the original show car.
The lighting controls from the show car have been replaced by the familiar and ubiquitous Ford dial. Awaiting word on this is an actual production piece or just a placeholder.
To my eyes, the GT looks even better as it has matured to production level. Undoubtedly a few changes here and there remain, but the car as it is today is nothing short of a design home run.
Bonus note:
Check out the active aero channel shown below. This is very similar to the design on Porsche’s 918 hypercar.
