One of the first Ford GT Canadian deliveries in 2018 arrived at Barrie Ford in late January. With a limited production of 1,000 units, the Ford GT is one of the most rare supercars on the road.
Ford GT – the Greatest Supercar Made in Canada.
Even though the GT sports a Ford badge, the latest iteration of the iconic supercar is actually manufactured at Multimatic in Markham, Ontario. Located roughly an hour away from downtown Toronto, Markham is more famous for its delicious Chinese food rather than automotive manufacturing.
Multimatic is an automotive engineering and manufacturing firm with a 30 year history working with Ford. Recent collaborations include the Mustang Boss 302R as well as the Shelby GT350R-C racecars that won the 2016 Continental Tire SportsCar Challenge.
Few cars are now manufactured in Canada in 2018, let alone performance cars. The Ford GT being assembled down the road makes it seem like a homegrown star athlete who has become an All-Star in the big leagues.
Ford GT Engine – Why a Turbocharged V6 instead of a V8? Because Le Mans.
The 2004 to 2006 Ford GT packed a more traditional powerplant – a 5.4L supercharged V8. Many fans were disappointed to see a 6 cylinder in the new GT, especially considering the high revving Voodoo V8 that Ford Performance put into the Shelby GT350.
What many people may not realize is that Ford has been campaigning the 3.5L twin-turbo V6 Ecoboost engine since the 2014 IMSA season in a Daytona Prototype.
With its sights set on a Le Mans victory in 2016, it was logical for Ford to enter its GT racecar with a proven engine. One that can handle the rigours of endurance racing.
Ford dominated the GT class podium with a first and third place finish at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2016, 50 years after the Ford GT40 completed a 1-2-3 podium sweep in 1966.
Just last month, the Ford GT got off to a dominant start to the 2018 IMSA Championship with a 1-2 GTLM finish at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, edging out the V8 powered Chevrolet Corvette C7.R.
Ford GT Price – $600,000 for the Fastest Production Car from the Detroit automaker.
Ford is planning a 1,000 car production run of the Ford GT over the course of four years. The privilege to drive one of the most exclusive supercars in the world comes with a heavy price tag – a whopping MSRP of $600,000 CAD!
The Frozen White Ford GT spec’d here costs close to $700,000, a figure that doubles the price of the powerful McLaren 720S and Ferrari 488 GTB. It’s 7 times the price of an 808hp Dodge Demon!
Demand for the supercar was so strong, buyers were required to submit an application to be considered for purchase.
To Ford’s credit, they are trying to prevent buyers from flipping their GT for quick profit. The automaker is currently engaged in a lawsuit with John Cena, actor and former WWE champion. Mr. Cena was one of the lucky applicants chosen to purchase a Ford GT. However, he sold his car just a couple weeks after taking delivery. Considering the low volume and Ford’s vigilance, it is unlikely to find a Ford GT for sale second hand.
Ford GT Performance
Instead of hybrid powerplants and AWD system, Ford took advantage of its motorsport experience and applied it to the roadcars. The flying buttress running from the roof to the rear fenders not only looks fantastic, they also enhance aerodynamics by directing air towards the center.
Another weapon in the GT’s arsenal is the five selectable drive modes: Normal, Wet, Sport, Track and V-Max (top speed). This changes the driving experience by adapting the car’s active aerodynamics and suspension systems. The settings for the engine, transmission and electronic driver aids are sharper too.
On the aggressive Track setting, the Ford GT squats 50mm lower than the standard ride height. It also stiffens the suspension spring rates as well as sets the active aero to maximize downforce.
Like the Shelby GT350R, the GT also has optional lightweight carbon fiber wheels. With 20×8.5 up front and 20×11.5 in the rear, the GT fits 245mm and 325mm width Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, respectively. Carbon fiber wheels save 2 lbs of unsprung weight each while being 13% stronger than the forged alloy version.
Behind the multi spoke wheels are huge Brembo carbon ceramic brakes. The system features 6-piston calipers up front and 4-pistons in the rear.
With all of the racecar derived technology, the Ford GT set the production track car record at Virginia International Raceway. It edged out juggernauts like the Porsche 918 Spyder, Mercedes-AMG GT R, and Dodge Viper ACR. Unfortunately the record was short-lived as it was shattered by the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 just a week later. Perhaps it was payback for the victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona!
Ford GT Specs
The Ford GT has three more years until it reaches the end of its life cycle in 2020. It will be interesting to see if Ford will continue to upgrade the car to keep up with the supercar arms race.
In a world dominated by high tech European exotics and new school American muscle, I’m still rooting for the Canadian hero. Even if it plays for an American team.
| Specifications | |
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 3.5L V6 Ecoboost |
| Power | 647 hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Torque | 550 lb-ft @ 5900 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox |
| Powertrain layout | Mid-engine, rear wheel drive with active aerodynamics and suspension |
| Curb Weight | 3054 lbs (dry) |
| Performance | |
| 0-60 mph | 3.0s |
| 0-100 mph | 6.2s |
| Top Speed | 216 mph |
| Quarter Mile | 10.8s @ 134 mph |
| Braking (70-0 mph) | 145 ft |
| Skidpad | 1.11g |