New Ford GT Packs 600 Horsepower

Ford is currently undergoing a renaissance. It was the only Big ‘Three’ US automaker to make it through the Global Financial Crisis without resorting to public funds. Under the ‘One Ford’ model, the company is gradually emerging stronger from the crisis, with portfolio restructuring and platforms culling slowly showing results.

Now, our source at Auto Express has revealed that Ford’s new found confidence and improving fortunes have allowed it to build a successor to the reborn Ford GT built between 2005 and 2006.

This time though, it will have hybrid power and has Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren in its sight. The new GT will come equipped with an arsenal of some of the most advanced automotive technology available to deliver massive straight-line performance.

Unlike its predecessor which borrowed its styling heavily from the original GT40 racer of the 60s, the latest interpretation is likely to dispense with the retro body styling and get a sharper and more modern look. The new car is set to feature a huge front air intake, angular headlights and vents in the bonnet and flanks.

The overall mid-engined configuration and proportions will remain intact to ensure balanced handling. Under the elongated bonnet, lies a supercharged V8 that drives the rear wheels, but extra boost is available at the touch of a button from an electric motor driving the front wheels.

Ford is also likely to include stop-start technology and the ability to run solely on electricity for brief periods of time to endow the car with some green credentials.

To keep up with the big boys such as the McLaren MP4-12C and Ferrari 458 Italia, as well as the successors to the Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8, the GT would have around 448kW of power. With an aluminium chassis and composite body panels, the car is expected to tip the scales at around 1,400kg, which is 200kg lighter than the car it replaces. That means a power to weight ratio of around 320kw/tonne. Ford is targeting a 3 second 0 – 100km/h sprint.

Like its predecessor, the new Ford GT won’t be cheap, but is expected to undercut its rivals. No words yet on the car’s debut as Ford remained tight-lipped.

Source and pictures: AutoExpress