Ford just released a new supercar - a racing car celebrating a legendary anniversary!
When we think of super cars, the first brands that come to mind are probably Ferrari or Lamborghini.
But with this racing car, Ford have re-imagined a legend with a fascinating backstory!
History
In 1963, Henry Ford II wanted to buy Ferrari.
He thought the Italian flair could be positive for his company, and also he would help Ferrari increase its production.
But Enzo Ferrari declined the deal at the last minute - leaving Ford with a grudge, and a desire for revenge!
Ford decided to build a racing car on his own, and specifically one that could beat a Ferrari!
Then, in 1966 Ford created the GT40 and participated in the legendary 24-hour endurance race "Le Mans".
Although Ferrari had dominated this race for years, Ford managed to take first, second and 3rd place with 3 of his new GT40!
And now, 50 years later, Ford celebrated the anniversary by creating the 2017 Ford GT !
The company had already released a remake of the car in 2005, but the model never made it to victory.
This new version from 2017 on the other hand participated in the 50-year anniversary of Le Mans in 2016, and Ford managed to win!
Now, the racing car has become available for consumers (in a slightly altered version.)
Statistics
- Top Speed: 347 km/h (216 mph)
- Horsepower: 647
- Engine: 6 cylinders, 3.5l capacity
- Body: Carbon Fiber Monocoque with Integrated Steel Roll Cage and Aluminum Substructure
- Weight: Around 1,3 metric tonnes (3000 pounds - 300 less than a Ferrari)
- Price: Around $500,000
- Only 250 cars made per year
Inside the car
This car was made for a race track - not for regular streets.
So it's not very practicable, the seats are quite close together, the middle console doesn't have any more impressive technology than a regular luxury car, and the trunk is very small.
But all of that is not the point, this is a race car that just barely passed legal requirements for the streets!
The 2017 GT has a unique design with incredible aerodynamics.
The carbon fiber body is lightweight and there is a big rear at the back, which stabilizes the car and creates just the right mix between downforce and drag.
The car itself is very wide, about 2 meters, since width doesn't count much on a race track.
Some journalists from magazines like TechCrunch or The Verge have been invited to test-drive the Ford supercar, and wrote about their experience:
"The GT’s ice-cold performance forces you to focus on the most necessary elements of the car’s driving experience. Take the slatted metal paddle shifters just behind the steering wheel, for instance. They’re sturdy as they are thin, and they spring forward with slight flicks from your knuckles — a simple movement that comfortably thwacks the car in and out of its seven gears. (...) Every time I worked up the courage to push the throttle a little deeper, the car rewarded me with a new layer of speed. I could fly down the straights at over 100 miles per hour, stand on the brakes, and then dive into the corners, and the car was never unsettled."-Sean O'Kane for the Verge
Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
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