2017 Ford GT production to double
Production of the Ford GT has been doubled from two to four years ahead of its 2017 launch
Ford has doubled the production of its halo supercar, the GT, from two to four years.
Those still wanting a GT, who have missed out so far, can submit their applications for the next batch of cars in early 2018.
The GT is Ford’s recreation of the legendary GT40, which dates back to the 1960s. After 36-years out of production the GT40 was reimagined in 2005 with the first-generation GT.
The 2005 version stayed true to the original’s design, although it was longer, wider and taller and was built to commemorate Ford’s 100th birthday.
The new car brought the GT40 bang up-to-date with modern day production methods; including a superplastic-formed frame, aluminium body panels and roll-bonded floor panels; safety and technology. It was powered by a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 that developed 542bhp and got from zero to 62mph in 3.9 seconds.
If the GT was a huge leap over the GT40, then the second-generation is a quantum leap forward.
While it's instantly recognisable as a GT40 successor, it's now sharper and more modern, a classic brought up to date. This lightweight, mid-engine, rear-wheel drive supercar is built on an all-carbon fibre passenger cell, with carbon fibre body panels and aluminium subframes to ensure the GT.
Its lightness coupled with an Ecoboost 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, developing 592bhp, means the GT will most likely hit 0-60mph in circa three seconds. The GT gets a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and active aerodynamics with features like a deployable spoiler, which reduces drag.
Production starts later this year and commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Ford GT finishing in first, second and third positions at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Production numbers could now reach up to 1000 GTs with 250 being made annually (at least for the first two years), although the UK’s allocation has yet to be confirmed despite 500-registered notification of interest.
Prices for the second-generation GT are also yet to be announced but expected to be around £350,000 when deliveries start in 2017.
