http://www.fordgtforum.com/2015/12/30/new-ford-gt-website-goes-live-adds-details/
There's a nice video Ford put on Facebook, had to embed it at above link, vB does not support.
Ford GT Website reveals new details, expands on previous information:
Headlines:
:cheers
There's a nice video Ford put on Facebook, had to embed it at above link, vB does not support.
Ford GT Website reveals new details, expands on previous information:
Headlines:
- Ford GT purchase process begins in January 2016 (details will be posted in full as soon as appropriate)
- Ford GT active ride height features a drop of ~50 mm (~ 2 inches) to lower center of gravity and further improve aerodynamic performance
- The rear wing is built into the overall aerodynamic design of the fuselage to enhance airflow even when not deployed
- The air inlets ahead of the rear wheels feed cooling air to the intercoolers, and also channel air through the flying buttresses to act as an inlet for engine air intake
- Ford GT headlamps feature all-LED technology for reliable long-lasting luminosity
- Signature round tail lamps open to vent transmission and oil coolers
One of the key questions answered by the site and video above is how “active” the active suspension in the car really is. The new GT, which is already an extremely low car to begin with, can lower itself an additional ~50 mm to further increase performance. Coupled with active aero, expect levels of grip mere mortals lack the confidence to safely explore. Previously, Ford Global Performance Vehicle Chief Engineer told Hot Rod Magazine that the new GT was somewhere around 42″ tall, meaning that in race mode the new GT could return to (or even drop below) the iconic 40″ height of its forefathers.
If this sounds similar, it’s because the same modus operandi is employed in the $1.1 million hypercar, the McLaren P1. The big Mac ultimately produces a maximum of 600 kg when in race mode with the chassis 50 mm down and wing at maximum attack. Whether or not the new GT hits those levels of grip-inducing force remains to be seen, but the new detail reveals a little bit more of where the GT fits in the performance landscape.
Clearly the GT will be no match for the acceleration of the hypercar class, but is there a car more similar to the GT than the McLaren P1…if you removed the hybrid bits? The cars both sport a carbon fiber tub with aluminum subframes, full carbon fiber body work, a suite of active aerodynamic enhancements, and an extremely sophisticated race-inspired active suspension. It seems obvious the GT occupies a space somewhere north of more expected rivals like the Ferrari 488 GTB, but won’t keep pace with cars whose power output flirts with 4 digits.
Perhaps Ford is producing something both new and old. An ultra-high tech carbon fiber supercar that pushes the boundaries of aerodynamics, materials, lightweighting, and engine technology, but in a pure less-is-more package that harkens back to simplified supercars of eras past. It certainly looks that way.
:cheers