The blisteringly fast 2018 Ford GT is one of the planet’s most exclusive and exotic rides.
ClassicCars.com was invited on one of the first rides in the latest model of the street car on the 4-mile race circuit at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin this past week.
The street GT is essentially a homologated race car limited to a total production run of 1,000 units over four years – with the first batch of 500 cars already sold.
Ford used a questionnaire to preselect owners from more than 6,500 applicants vying for the honor of purchasing the $450,000 supercar, with preference given to those who indicated they would drive the cars rather than simply collect them.
Behind the wheel of the Liquid Blue 2018 GT was Jeff Blazek from Ford’s Vehicle Engineering Department. During the test lap, Road America’s famous front straightaway was eliminated and two chicanes were added to slow the car’s top speed, which also thwarted comparable lap times from being recorded.
The GT’s turbocharged 3.5-liter rear-mounted V6 engine claims 647 bhp and 550 ft/lbs of torque, capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 216 mph.
Active aerodynamics onboard the GT makes it one of the best handling cars in its field – enough to win the 24 Hour of LeMans upon its introduction in 2016. It is the fastest production car in the history of the Ford Motor Company.
Needless to say, the ride is breathtaking. With phenomenal suspension, braking, and acceleration, this new GT retains the intent and character of the original GT40 which swept the LeMans podium from Ferrari in 1966 – and it’s poised to become equally legendary.
Thanks for the ride along! You looked a little tight lipped around 1:55 though.
It’s about time you put your big boy pants on ; )
"enough to win the 24 Hour of LeMans upon its introduction in 2016. " That’s not true. The Ford GT won its CLASS at LeMans. It didn’t win the race. Ford has been bruiting that about since last year. To "win" you must be first overall. Winning your class is laudable. "Winning" is something else altogether.
Ford won (it’s class) at Le Mans. That includes tax payer financed Gov’t Motors entry in the same class, the corvette! Sweet Victory!
So what do the lease terms look like on this model? Just kidding
Well–the car looks great ! But driver Jeff B. looks like he is afraid go over 70 MPH. Kick it — break the rear -end loose ? I think any 1970’s muscle car driver could beat you. I don’t need a car that goes over 140 MPH, but I do want = 0 to 60 mph in 4 second car–which you failed to mention !