When motor oil runs through your veins, it can be hard to shake the desire to produce high-performance vehicles. While Ford cars have the reputation of being for everyone, there have always been, and continue to be, people inside the company who are passionate about engineering ultra-high-performance vehicles for a select few. Need proof? Witness the new 2016 Ford GT, the flagship vehicle in the new Ford Performance group lineup. The newest Ford GT has history on its side. It harkens back to the legendary GT40 that Henry Ford II ordered built to vanquish the dominant Ferrari race team. The Ford cars obliged by sweeping the Italians, finishing first, second and third at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 2016 GT - which may still be officially designated a 2017 model - hits the road next year in select global markets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Ford GT race cars.
The motor-oil-fueled engineers responsible for high-performance Ford cars have typically placed their bets on big, throaty V-8s. The 2016 Ford GT will break from tradition with a mid-engine twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 that will still produce more than 600 horsepower. Its power will be sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Active is the best description for those components of the Ford GT that keep it planted firmly on the pavement. It starts with a wind-altering, multi-position rear wing. It continues with an inboard, pushrod-actuated damping suspension and an adjustable ride height. Carbon-ceramic brakes, 20-inch wheels, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires round out the chassis-related goodies. All in all, the 2016 Ford GT is a marvel of 21st century technology and efficiency.
If you plan on doing anything more than admiring the new Ford GT from a respectful distance, you'd better start saving. The company has indicated it will have a price tag closer to the Lamborghini Aventador than to typical Ford cars. That would bring it in at a healthy $400,000 retail. The vehicle may also be difficult to find. The company has said it expects a production run somewhere in the hundreds.
The 2016 Ford GT will join the Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R as the latest addition to the Ford Performance group lineup.
For more info, be sure to visit http://www.skylineforddirect.com.