For the stiff structure that would be needed if the GT was going to be able to walk the walk, Ford developed an all-aluminum space frame comprising extrusions, castings and several stampings.
Though the new GT is intended for the road, Hinrichs says, Ford was sure to build in some "unique race-like engineering solutions, such as engineering out the aerodynamic 'lift' inherent in the original car's design," since this road car is capable of going more than 330kmh.
Technology's come a long way in the last 40 years, so the new GT gets such things as super-plastic-formed aluminum body panels, roll-bonded floor panels, a friction-stir welded centre tunnel, a capless fuel filler system, one-piece door panels, and an aluminum engine cover with a one-piece carbon-fibre inner panel."
As on the historic race car, the Ford GT aluminum body panels are unstressed, but instead of the steel or honeycomb-composite tubs used in the 1960s, the Ford GT team developed an all-new aluminum space frame as the foundation. "The chassis features unequal-length control arms and coil-over spring-damper units to allow for its low profile," Hinrichs notes.
Braking is handled by four-piston aluminum Brembo monoblock calipers with cross-drilled and vented rotors at all four corners.
When the rear canopy is opened, Hinrichs says, "the rear suspension components and engine become the car's focal point. Precision-cast aluminum suspension components and 19-inch Goodyear tires --combined with the overwhelming presence of the V-8 -- create a striking appearance and communicate the performance credentials of the Ford GT."
Many Ford owners will be familiar with the 5.4-litre V-8, since it propels many of the company's more pedestrian vehicles. For this application, however, the engine features 85 per cent new moving parts and produces 550 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.
For those keeping score, both figures are comparable to those of the 7.0-litre engine that won Le Mans in 1966 and 1967.
The 5.4-litre powerplant is all-aluminum, fed by an Eaton screw-type supercharger, and features four-valve cylinder heads and forged components, including the crankshaft, H-beam connecting rods and aluminum pistons.
Power goes through the rear wheels to the road through a Ricardo six-speed manual transaxle featuring a helical limited-slip differential.
Some of the more quotidian equipment of the GT includes an AM/FM stereo with CD, fog lamps, driver and passenger front air bags, anti-lock brakes, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, a passive anti-theft system, power exterior mirrors, windows and door locks, air conditioning, remote keyless entry and rear window defroster.
As for the folks who are bolting the GT together for Canadians, they were involved in creating the original GT concept vehicles, so they should know what they're doing.
"Multimatic is extremely pleased to be working with Ford of Canada to bring one of the world's best supercars to Canadians," says Hao Wang, assistant general manager of the Multimatic Technical Centre.
Wang explains that Multimatic "supplies components, systems and engineering services to the global automotive industry and has operating divisions in North America and Europe with partners in Asia, South America and Australia."
photo:Ford Motor Company
Though the new GT is intended for the road, Hinrichs says, Ford was sure to build in some "unique race-like engineering solutions, such as engineering out the aerodynamic 'lift' inherent in the original car's design," since this road car is capable of going more than 330kmh.
 |
| Ford GT (photo: Ford Motor Company) |
As on the historic race car, the Ford GT aluminum body panels are unstressed, but instead of the steel or honeycomb-composite tubs used in the 1960s, the Ford GT team developed an all-new aluminum space frame as the foundation. "The chassis features unequal-length control arms and coil-over spring-damper units to allow for its low profile," Hinrichs notes.
Braking is handled by four-piston aluminum Brembo monoblock calipers with cross-drilled and vented rotors at all four corners.
When the rear canopy is opened, Hinrichs says, "the rear suspension components and engine become the car's focal point. Precision-cast aluminum suspension components and 19-inch Goodyear tires --combined with the overwhelming presence of the V-8 -- create a striking appearance and communicate the performance credentials of the Ford GT."
Many Ford owners will be familiar with the 5.4-litre V-8, since it propels many of the company's more pedestrian vehicles. For this application, however, the engine features 85 per cent new moving parts and produces 550 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.
For those keeping score, both figures are comparable to those of the 7.0-litre engine that won Le Mans in 1966 and 1967.
The 5.4-litre powerplant is all-aluminum, fed by an Eaton screw-type supercharger, and features four-valve cylinder heads and forged components, including the crankshaft, H-beam connecting rods and aluminum pistons.
Power goes through the rear wheels to the road through a Ricardo six-speed manual transaxle featuring a helical limited-slip differential.
Some of the more quotidian equipment of the GT includes an AM/FM stereo with CD, fog lamps, driver and passenger front air bags, anti-lock brakes, a leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, a passive anti-theft system, power exterior mirrors, windows and door locks, air conditioning, remote keyless entry and rear window defroster.
 |
| Ford GT (photo: Ford Motor Company) |
"Multimatic is extremely pleased to be working with Ford of Canada to bring one of the world's best supercars to Canadians," says Hao Wang, assistant general manager of the Multimatic Technical Centre.
Wang explains that Multimatic "supplies components, systems and engineering services to the global automotive industry and has operating divisions in North America and Europe with partners in Asia, South America and Australia."
photo:Ford Motor Company
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