It won't have escaped your attention that Ford is making quite a big deal about the
new GT
. It's now more than two years since the car was first shown at the Detroit motor show, with customers (aka 'approved applicants') now
eagerly speccing
GT against LT sounds quite the track battle
In the latest GT release from Ford, a few performance stats have been confirmed. More exciting than looking at studio photos, right? The big number is 216mph, the claimed GT top speed thanks to 647 SAE horsepower (655hp) and 550lb ft in US spec and "fully active dynamic systems". Speedy.
Moreover, Ford boasts that its latest supercar is faster than both a McLaren 675LT and a Ferrari 458 Speciale around a track. This is due to "the most advanced active suspension system in the segment" and a very good power-to-weight ratio, says Ford. The track in question was the Calabogie Motorsports Park in Canada; all three cars were said to be "track prepped with new fluids, fresh tyres and optimal suspension settings." Tested in the same conditions and with the same driver, the lap times were 2:09.8 for the GT, 2:10.9 for the McLaren and 2:12.9 for the Ferrari.
The GT's dry weight is stated to be "less than 1,400kg", against 1,370kg for a 488 (with the lightweight options and note that's a 488, not a Speciale) and 1,230kg for a Longtail. In addition, Ford says the roadgoing GT will share much with the race car (which you may have heard about) including the aerodynamics and suspension. Don't forget also that the engine was used in the Daytona Prototype before the GT - nothing like some race-proven tech to excite the customer base!
However, as for when those customers will receive their cars, we're none the wiser. Best hope for Ford and those lap times that it's before the new models from Ferrari and McLaren arrive!