One of the centerpieces of this year’s Detroit auto show, which opens next week, is the all-new production version of Ford’s supercar, the GT. The new model created a stir a year ago in Detroit when Ford unveiled the concept version. The production model of the new mid-engine coupe is a stunner—but it will take a lot to live up to the 50-year legacy of the Ford GT.
The new car is actually the second generation of the GT, which itself is an homage to the original GT40 sports car developed in the early 1960s. That original was created to go head-to-head with Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans—after a deal to buy the Italian sports car marque fell through.
The new GT features a carbon monocoque with structural carbon-fiber body panels with aluminum sub-frames front and back. The new model takes a modern design approach, rather than the retro-inspired aesthetic of the 2004 GT.
In fact, the new GT tosses aside the supercharged V8—instead taking its motivation from a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 mounted in the middle. Output is said to be more than 600 horsepower. The motor is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission rather than a six-speed manual unit like (as found in the previous-generation GT). Other modern touches include an active rear wing and a completely digital instrument cluster.
The new GT will enter production later this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the GT40’s famous 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. And while it certainly looks the business, it’s hard to know yet if fans and collectors will hold it with the same high regard as the original GT40 or the first-generation GT.
The classified price for thie 2006 Ford GT Heritage is just shy of $400,000.
The first GT has nearly tripled in value in a decade, with pristine examples now trading in the $400,000 range. It’s a testament not only to the GT’s stunning design, but Ford’s decision to stay true to the original GT40’s formula: a roaring V8 behind the driver and a manual gearbox sending the power to the rear wheels. Yet, even the first generation GT’s impressive climb in value is dwarfed by the original GT40. An original example went for a $11 million back 2012, making it one of the most valuable American sport cars in history. That sets an extraordinarily high mark for the 2016 to meet, especially as it tries to put a new spin on Ford’s performance heritage.
See Ford Ford GT for sale on eBay.
