Henry Ford made his first automobile in a garage behind his house. When he formed the company, he built the first Ford car at the Mack Avenue plant in 1903. In 1908, the successful Model T was offered. Demand for it was so huge that Ford had to develop new mass-production techniques in order to produce cars in sufficient amounts.
In 1911, he opened the 1st branch assembly plant in the world. He was also the first one in the US to open a production facility oversees (in England). 3 years later, Ford introduced the $5 daily wage that replaced $2.34 wages.
The Ford GT, or the GT40, first won Le Mans in 1966. It was a V8 supercar that could win the most prestigious races and dominate race tracks. It created a legacy around Ford. Here are 15 sick photos of the Ford GT you need to see.
15 Improved EcoBoost Engine
With 13 more hp (647 hp in total) than the previous-gen model, the new Ford GT's EcoBoost engine got a wider torque band and a new calibration along with significant mechanical upgrades that include higher-energy ignition coils. Many of the new features came directly from the track-only GT Mk II.
14 New Power Preserving Technologies
Airflow is increased by 50% thanks to new engine cooling technologies and airflow updates that include new buttress air ducts. Large intercoolers preserve peak engine power for the highest-temperature sessions at the track. When you drive in the Track mode, suspension damping is increased to improve handling and control.
13 Akrapovič Titanium Exhaust
With the Ford GT, the company introduces its new Akrapovič titanium exhaust. Boasting the craftsmanship of race experts, this exhaust saves 9 pounds of weight while offering that unmistakable sound coming from the EcoBoost engine. Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief program engineer, said: "GT is always the ultimate expression of Ford racing innovation."
12 Liquid Carbon Body
Available as an option, GT’s lightweight sculpted carbon fiber body is free of paint color. In this limited-edition package, a special coat punctuates the car's unique weave. Angus Smith, General Manager of Multimatic Niche Vehicles, said that "this allows us to fully demonstrate our mastery in both the art and science of carbon fiber craftsmanship."
11 Interior And Exterior Options
With the Liquid Carbon Body package, carbon fiber wheels come as standard. Buyers can choose six-point racing harness anchors, titanium lug nuts, five caliper colors, and five interior options. You can personalize your GT even further by adding stripes and painted mirror caps. For the first time, all features can be bought independently of one another.
10 Gulf Racing Heritage Livery
Ford updated its iconic heritage livery with a new design that features a black pinstripe that separates blue and orange colors. This design commemorates the iconic Le Mans-winning GT40. For the first time, wheels are available in lieu of aluminum alloy. Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager, said that this design was highly requested.
9 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission
The V6 engine is paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It launches the car to 60 mph in 3 seconds and through 1/4 mile in 10.8 seconds at 134 mph. Driving the GT is easy, and wheels feel agile and light. The ride isn't punishing and the suspension handles road bumps well.
8 Minimalistic Driver-Focused Interior
The interior concept comes from race cars, it's minimalistic and driver-oriented. Almost all controls are located around the steering wheel. Getting inside can be challenging but once you're there, you will notice that you can't adjust the seat. Instead, the steering wheel and pedals are adjusted to your position in the seat.
7 Minimum Entertainment Features
Since the car is meant for fast driving, nothing distracts your attention from the road. Still, you get a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Ford's Sync 3 software. It understands basic voice commands and has a modern navigation system. You can also use a wide range of apps that are compatible with the Sync 3 system.
6 Surprising Fuel Economy Numbers
Truth be told, most people don't buy the GT because of its fuel consumption. Still, its estimated 11 miles per gallon in the city, 18 mpg on the highway and 14 mpg combined. This is better than the average sports car. The GT coaxes 550 lb.ft. of torque out of its engine.
5 Only One Trim
The GT comes in only one trim. It features 5 selectable drive modes, dual exhaust, 2 ride heights, active aerodynamics, air brakes, 20-in aluminum wheels, and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. Besides, you get a rearview camera, keyless access with a push-button start feature, carbon-fiber Sparco seats and LED headlights.
4 Every Feature Has A Purpose
Once you're in the car, you will notice that Ford didn't waste any weight on interior features. There are only sheets of carbon fiber. Speaking of cargo space, you get less than half of a cubic foot behind the engine. The cockpit is tight but not completely cramped and many units are adjustable.
3 Precisely Engineered Machine
Once you pull away, you feel condensed energy of the car. There is no rubber or slack, just a sense of being strapped to a precisely engineered machine. You can feel the vibrations and understand what the car is up to. It offers a hard cornering grip and amazing mid-corner balance.
2 Soft Seats With Shallow Bolsters
The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara. The seats aren't as aggressive as those in real race cars. They are soft and have shallow bolsters. They are mounted higher than the cockpit. However, they hold the driver really hard. You will never feel like you're falling out or need more support.
1 Only 1 000 Units Will Be Made
The new GT costs around $450,000, and that's a heap of money. Ford will only build 1,000 units globally, which makes the car so desirable to collectors. The company has a racing pedigree, and the GT has nothing in common with any other car in this price range.