Ford GT hits 205 mph
06-10-2004, 04:59 PM
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Ford GT hits 205 mph
http://media.ford.com/newsroom/feature_dis...m?release=17955
Ford GT Hits 205 mph
By: Robb Mahr | Ford Communications Network
DEARBORN, June 7, 2004 -- It's official: The Ford GT is the fastest production road car ever produced to wear the Ford badge.
During engineering testing for high-speed stability and powertrain durability at Italy's Nardo test facility, the Ford GT supercar was certified for a top speed of 205 mph. In 1966, the Ford GT40 reached a top speed of 201 mph on the Mulsanne Straight during the 24 hours of LeMans endurance race in France.
"The engineering team has once again outdone themselves," said John Coletti, director of Ford SVT programs. "This is a major accomplishment and puts the Ford GT among the ranks of the greatest sports cars in history."
The Ford GT engineering team took two cars to the Nardo test facility to conduct the high-speed stability evaluations and run a 500-mile durability test. The team decided to pay careful attention to the aerodynamics of the 2005 version because the 1966 GT40 race car exhibited major lift at high speeds.
In order to not disturb the exterior design seen at the 2002 Detroit International Auto Show, the engineering team made most of their aerodynamic changes on the underside of the vehicle. As a result, the only difference between the show car and the production version is a subtle rear spoiler extension, front and side splitters and venturi tunnels wrapped under the rear clip.
Mark McGowan, Ford GT vehicle dynamics supervisor, who drove during the Nardo testing said, "Driving at speeds above 200 mph was remarkably uneventful, which is a very positive outcome."
How does it feel to drive at that speed?
"Fast!" said McGowan. "It's quite the experience, but the car is very stable. At 205 miles an hour it's basically flat to the floor (with the throttle). You can leave it there; the only constraint on this car is how much fuel you have."
McGowan said the car, with its 550-horsepower 5.4-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) supercharged engine, really moves. The GT covers a quarter mile in approximately 11 seconds and achieves 128 miles an hour in that distance.
"But getting up to the 205 certified high-speed limit takes about four miles, because of aerodynamic drag," he said.
The engineering team required a 500-mile test at or near maximum speeds to prove-out the strength and durability of the powertrain. Not only did the engine exhibit strong acceleration, but also passed the durability test without any significant problems.
"The Ford GT is performing at levels of super exotic sports cars that cost three and four times as much money, and it still meets all the engineering and quality requirements of any Ford vehicle program," said Coletti. "That's no small feat, but a showcase of the passion and talent that reside within the company."
Ford GT Hits 205 mph
By: Robb Mahr | Ford Communications Network
DEARBORN, June 7, 2004 -- It's official: The Ford GT is the fastest production road car ever produced to wear the Ford badge.
During engineering testing for high-speed stability and powertrain durability at Italy's Nardo test facility, the Ford GT supercar was certified for a top speed of 205 mph. In 1966, the Ford GT40 reached a top speed of 201 mph on the Mulsanne Straight during the 24 hours of LeMans endurance race in France.
"The engineering team has once again outdone themselves," said John Coletti, director of Ford SVT programs. "This is a major accomplishment and puts the Ford GT among the ranks of the greatest sports cars in history."
The Ford GT engineering team took two cars to the Nardo test facility to conduct the high-speed stability evaluations and run a 500-mile durability test. The team decided to pay careful attention to the aerodynamics of the 2005 version because the 1966 GT40 race car exhibited major lift at high speeds.
In order to not disturb the exterior design seen at the 2002 Detroit International Auto Show, the engineering team made most of their aerodynamic changes on the underside of the vehicle. As a result, the only difference between the show car and the production version is a subtle rear spoiler extension, front and side splitters and venturi tunnels wrapped under the rear clip.
Mark McGowan, Ford GT vehicle dynamics supervisor, who drove during the Nardo testing said, "Driving at speeds above 200 mph was remarkably uneventful, which is a very positive outcome."
How does it feel to drive at that speed?
"Fast!" said McGowan. "It's quite the experience, but the car is very stable. At 205 miles an hour it's basically flat to the floor (with the throttle). You can leave it there; the only constraint on this car is how much fuel you have."
McGowan said the car, with its 550-horsepower 5.4-liter double overhead cam (DOHC) supercharged engine, really moves. The GT covers a quarter mile in approximately 11 seconds and achieves 128 miles an hour in that distance.
"But getting up to the 205 certified high-speed limit takes about four miles, because of aerodynamic drag," he said.
The engineering team required a 500-mile test at or near maximum speeds to prove-out the strength and durability of the powertrain. Not only did the engine exhibit strong acceleration, but also passed the durability test without any significant problems.
"The Ford GT is performing at levels of super exotic sports cars that cost three and four times as much money, and it still meets all the engineering and quality requirements of any Ford vehicle program," said Coletti. "That's no small feat, but a showcase of the passion and talent that reside within the company."
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06-10-2004, 06:56 PM
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why is this so impressive in 2004?
You could buy a pre-owned Diablo for a little less money (and a little less reliability I'm sure) and go just as fast with alot more flash.
1998 Lambo SV
530bhp
0-202mph in 21sec.
You could buy a pre-owned Diablo for a little less money (and a little less reliability I'm sure) and go just as fast with alot more flash.
1998 Lambo SV
530bhp
0-202mph in 21sec.
06-10-2004, 06:59 PM
#9
True -- which brings into play the best and worst part about owning a Ford GT.
There are dealers everywhere -- but you have to have your 150,000 dollar car serviced alongside and by the same kids who work on the escorts and explorers.
There are dealers everywhere -- but you have to have your 150,000 dollar car serviced alongside and by the same kids who work on the escorts and explorers.