LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT: This 2019 Ford GT Proves that Less can Sometimes be More

Created by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham

The 2017-22 Ford GT was crafted with a singular intent in mind: to go quick. Scratch that. It essentially had a dual function — to go speedy and look wonderful when executing so. The truth that it received races and set up itself as Ford’s halo automobile were the immediate benefits of that uncompromising company eyesight.

As a street-likely supercar, it was really hard to strengthen on the GT. Granted, the design is not identified for plush accommodations, but in the efficiency characteristics that depend, it was engineered proper to the redline. The exterior was an aerodynamic tour de pressure, even though the carbon-fiber passenger shell and body panels, as nicely as the carbon-fiber Sparco seats, held its pounds in test. An integrated tubular metal roll cage was an ideal structural ingredient for such a keep track of-oriented sports activities car.

The GT’s mid-mounted 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 puts out 647 horsepower and 550 ft/lbs of torque. It is mated to a 7-speed Getrag twin clutch automatic transmission. The combination was capable of sub-11-next quarter-mile instances and a claimed top rated velocity of 216 mph. Aerodynamic aids such as a speed activated splitter and underbody aero shields, together with Ford’s AdvanceTrac with electronic balance control process, contributed to the shocking effectiveness quantities. Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes brought the GT back down to earth pursuing any large-pace operates.

The Shadow Black 2019 Ford GT featured here, Chassis No. 42, made available with No Reserve at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, January 21-29 at WestWorld, has all individuals crafted-in abilities and much more. Or, in this situation, the much more is a lot less. Ford engineers on the GT plan were regularly inspired to shave another portion of a second off acceleration situations or discover an further mph of best velocity. Just one way they completed this was by weighing everything essential and then using a scalpel to slice away every single previous pointless ounce. This GT is the beneficiary of that focused awareness, in the sort of an optional package deal of lightweight tools.

This choice didn’t have a fancy identify on the Window Sticker, just Devices Team 600A, a $70,000 improve. Outlined in this team were titanium lug nuts, a titanium exhaust and a lightweight Alcantara steering wheel. Gloss uncovered carbon-fiber 20-inch wheels, a polycarbonate rear hatch and a carbon graphics package deal with dual stripes were also included.

A common 2019 GT weighed about a single nicely-fed bulldog above 3,000 kilos. By the time that lightweight machines team was included, the bulldog had been banished again to the property and the GT was that much more rapidly on its toes. By comparison, a 2005 Ford GT, no slouch in its individual right with 550 horsepower, weighed about 3,350 lbs ..

Ford released the lightweight machines bundle for the GT as the Carbon Sequence in a push launch dated October 30, 2018. These lightweight GTs were being explained by Ford to be roughly 40 kilos lighter than a conventional GT, and the lightest option available that was not an outright competitors design.

The carbon-fiber components are apparent from the exterior, but the carbon-fiber concept extends into the interior as properly. This GT has carbon-fiber accents on the doorway sills, middle console and air sign up pods. The F1-motivated steering wheel has a flat leading and bottom, as well as an integrated LED rev indicator. The paddle shifters powering the steering wheel drop easily to hand.

In addition to the light-weight equipment, this GT has the optional purple brake calipers and the Ford GT indoor car or truck address. It is also exceedingly mild on miles traveled, with 10 real miles. It will come with the Window Sticker and manufacturing unit build shots.

It is also early to connect with this 2019 GT a museum piece, but Ford no extended can make these vehicles, and a 10-mile example is about as untouched as they appear. That’s the element that transforms this lightweight GT into a heavyweight collectible. Sign-up to bid for your probability to protected this GT for yourself at the 2023 Scottsdale Auction, January 21-29 at WestWorld.