Is Ford preparing a next-gen GT hybrid supercar?
More than four years after the last Ford GT blasted out of the showroom, the Dearborn maker is reportedly readying an all-new 2-seater, but rather than the retro-styled supercar it built between 2005 and ’06, the next-generation GT is expected to feature decidedly futuristic styling – and a hybrid powertrain to go with it.
If anything, the upcoming Ford GT would have more in common with the new Porsche 918 Spyder than the original GT40 that stormed the race circuit nearly a half century ago. How soon the new GT might make it to market – if, indeed, the reports prove accurate – is anyone’s guess, though a concept version could be readied for roll-out in the coming months.
But that’s assuming anything really is in the works – a senior source at Ford insisting that “this is all rumor.” But considering the history of the Ford GT name, it’s understandable why so many people would be wishing for its return.
The original GT40 was among the most terrifying machines ever to race the grueling 24-hour circuit at LeMans, winning the race an astounding four consecutive times between 1966 and 1969. It was, in fact, the only American-made entry ever to claim an overall, rather than class, victory at LeMans even once.
The reborn Ford GT and an original GT40 race car (in the foreground).
The name was short for Grand Touring, the 40 a reference to its height – 40 inches – measured at the windshield.
Ford fudged the details a bit when it launched a retro revival of the race car, in 2005, which measured 44.3 inches tall. But the name was shortened to just GT because the maker had inadvertently given away the license to the full GT40 name and wasn’t willing to pay the hefty premium a small Ohio parts company wanted to get it back.
The new model reportedly would retain the GT name and the two-seat layout, but not much else. A report in the latest issue of Britain’s Auto Express suggests the supercar will be more like the new Ferrari FF or McLaren MP4-12C in appearance, using an aluminum chassis and composite body that together would hold weight down to around 3,100 pounds.
Power would come from a hybrid driveline, though not one you’d expect to find in a Ford Fusion Hybrid. If anything, it will be similar to what Porsche is developing for the new 918. Under the composite skin of the Ford GT, that would mean a supercharged V8 driving the rear wheels. Auto Express contends the hybrid drive system would be linked to the front axle, power surging on at the touch of a button on the steering wheel.
All in all, the rumor mill claims, total power would run in excess of 600 hp. Considering the new GT would come in about 300 pounds liter than the ’05 – ’06 model, which itself made 550 horsepower, that would likely be enough to deliver even better performance – which is astounding when you consider the last Ford GT was making 60 in just over 3.3 seconds, and 100 in 7.4 seconds, with a rated top speed of 205 mph.
Remember, “It’s just a rumor,” as our Ford source insists. But, then again, rumors sometimes prove true. You can decide if there’s enough smoke to suggest a real fire.