Sources and reports suggest that American automaker Ford may very well end the production of the Ford GT in 2022. Launched in 2016, the track-focused, race-bred supercar showcased decades of Ford’s heritage during the international stages of endurance racing. The company produced and developed the vehicle to specifically tackle the 24 hour Le Mans Series which it won. Currently, Ford is down to the final 250 units of Ford GT, which certainly marks the end of an era.
History of the Ford GT
Ford announced the next-gen Ford GT in 2016, which marked the 50th anniversary of its renowned win at Le Mans. In 1966, the automaker used its groundbreaking GT40 to defeat the reign of Ferrari, which dominated during the 1950s and 1960s. Being one of the automotive world’s most renowned stories, Ford spent years investing in developing and producing the GT40. This occurred right after Ford attempted to purchase Ferrari fell through, during which it aspired to embarrass Ferrari in Le Mans.
Ford finally managed to beat Ferrari at the 24 hours of Le Man with the help of legendary racing drivers. These included the likes of Carol Shelby, Ken Miles, Bruce McLaren, Mario Andretti, and Chris Amon. To celebrate this occasion, Ford showcased the pre-production prototype of the Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition’ in 2021. Alongside it, Ford also unveiled the 2022 GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition’ as a tribute to America’s only Le Mans-winning supercar.
Ford GT: Overview
The current-gen Ford GT sports an aerodynamically optimal teardrop design that minimises drag and focuses on maximising downforce. Ford has implemented a lightweight carbon fibre construction for the entire bodywork with a high-strength subframe for durability. At the front, the GT sports two giant air inlets, LED headlamps with integrated LED DRL’s, and Carbon-ceramic brakes. Ford’s performance engineers also added the ‘flying buttress’ concept towards the mid-section of the GT that enhances airflow.
The rear of the GT sports a large diffuser, two oval-shaped exhaust tips, an electronically-controlled spoiler, and circular LED taillights. Ford has equipped the GT with a unique suspension that drops down the ride height once the ‘V-Max’ mode has been activated. Additionally, the GT also gets butterfly opening doors as a party piece and a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 motor. With 656 PS and 746 Nm via a 7-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, the GT sports a 350 kmph top speed figure.
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