Ford GT car: specifications, history, photos

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

The American company Ford Motor Company developed the first generation of the Mustang in 1964. An active advertising campaign contributed to the fact that this project has become one of the most successful and massive in the automotive world. In just a year, the company has released more than 263 thousand Ford GT off the assembly line, which already says a lot.

First Generation

The presentation took place in 1964 in New York. The car instantly attracted the attention of visitors. Due to its low silhouette (only 40 inches tall), the Ford has been dubbed the GT40.

The first test run at Le Mans simultaneously revealed problems with the cooling system, aerodynamics, etc. But even in this scenario, a lap record was set. Ford Mustang GT managed to accelerate to 212 km / h. After the race, the car was sent to Shelby for revision.

Second Generation

Carroll Shelby improved the GT40 by overhauling the cooling system and installing a 7-liter engine that was more reliable and high-tech in terms ofcompared to its predecessor. The debut took place in 1965 with several prizes taken in Detroit. Unfortunately, Ford didn't make it to Le Mans this time.

But the very next year, a complete monopoly was established. The first 3 prizes were taken by Ford GT. The situation has not changed for 4 years. For an American company, this was indeed a great success. As fans eagerly wanted a GT model in their garages, a road version was developed, which was considered the most expensive among Ford cars.

The calm before the storm

For many years, Ford has made no attempt to develop new GT models. For the fans, this was a very surprising move, as recently the Ford GT regularly took first place in high-speed races.

But in 2002 something happened that no one expected. Just in time for the company's centennial anniversary, the next-generation GT concept was unveiled in Detroit. The key feature was that the designer managed to create a modern racing car, but with the classic features of its predecessor.

The new model has become slightly wider and higher, so that the driver and passenger could feel more comfortable. The supercar was put into production only in 2004. An engine with a capacity of 550 liters was installed on the car. With. The maximum speed was about 300 km / h, and acceleration to hundreds was 3.3 seconds.

The company's management at the beginning of production announced that the model is limited and will be producedonly 2 years old. During this time, a little more than 4,000 thousand copies were collected, each of which cost 150 thousand dollars.

Latest company developments

The excited public hoped that this time there would be a successor, and he would not have to wait too long. And so it happened, after 9 years, the concept of the new 2015 model was presented in Detroit. This prototype is designed with the maximum amount of aluminum and carbon fiber, which can significantly improve aerodynamics and reduce weight.

Car interior is a separate topic of conversation. It, as before, is made in a strict style, but has a number of features. Firstly, a lot of electronic systems that are configured depending on the driving mode of the car. Secondly, the seats are integrated into the structure of the cabin, which made it possible to gain a little in mass. Steering wheel controls, just like in Formula 1.

There is no expected V8 under the hood. Instead, a V6 EcoBust power unit is installed, paired with a 7-speed robotic gearbox. The motor has two turbines, due to which it was possible to achieve a power of 608 liters. With. The cost of cars has not yet been specified. Most likely, all the secrets will be revealed with the release of the new "Ferarri McLaren 650".

Ford Mustang GT 500 Eleanor

The 1967 Eleanor is the dream of many vintage car collectors. This is the same beast that Nicolas Cage was on in Gone in 60 Seconds. What is special about this car? The point is not only in the technical characteristics, but also in its appearance. Everything is done in an aggressive style. Wide wheel arches, a "humped" hood and several large air intakes. All these details attracted attention, immediately there was an unambiguous opinion - strong and powerful.

But the specifications of the Ford GT are also surprising. Under the hood is a 7-liter Nascar engine, working with a 5-speed manual. Also, the power unit is equipped with a turbocharger. The maximum speed is -204 km / h, and acceleration to hundreds is carried out in 4.3 seconds. Passport power - 350 l. with., but occasionally you can find forced up to 500 liters. With. models. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is approximately 21 liters, and the tank volume is 61.

Disc brakes with anti-lock system provide comfortable and safe movement. A good audio system for its time is also installed, and a power steering is provided for better handling.

In the cabin, everything is extremely concise, but all configurations can be called luxurious. Expensive leather, wood and aluminum were used in the interior trim.

Eternal classic

Despite the fact that we will not see another car like the Ford GT, it will be the subject of discussion for many years to come. Many collectors want to get an exclusive Ford model, but not everyone succeeds. The thing is that the racing version of "Eleanor" was not available to a wide range of consumers and just did notsold. The road version of the GT500 was equipped with a V6 engine. The developers made this decision to reduce fuel consumption by reducing the power of the power unit.

But fans of GT models will learn about everything new very quickly. This happened in 1968, when the company's engineers developed a new power plant 428 Cobra Jet, developing 600 horsepower. It was at this moment that the Shelby Cobra models appeared, which became desirable for many.

In general, the GT range has a special charisma. The company has not changed its traditions even after many years. The same charisma and brutality remained in the new models. Powerful engines and aggressive appearance - all this attracts buyers from all over the world so far. True, the maintenance of such a car will cost a lot, but hardly anyone will use it as a car for every day either.

Ford GT is a true legend of the American automotive industry, which proved to everyone its power and superiority over its competitors. Only thanks to this, for many years it was possible to achieve excellent results in high-speed races.