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

Penned by independent automotive journalist Steve Statham

The 2017-22 Ford GT was crafted with a singular objective in head: to go quickly. Scratch that. It basically experienced a twin goal — to go fast and appear terrific though performing so. The simple fact that it won races and recognized itself as Ford’s halo auto were being the direct outcomes of that uncompromising company eyesight.

As a road-going supercar, it was hard to enhance on the GT. Granted, the model is not recognized for plush lodging, but in the performance qualities that depend, it was engineered right to the redline. The exterior was an aerodynamic tour de force, while the carbon-fiber passenger shell and physique panels, as well as the carbon-fiber Sparco seats, held its fat in test. An integrated tubular steel roll cage was an acceptable structural aspect for this kind of a observe-oriented athletics car.

The GT’s mid-mounted 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 places 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-11-2nd quarter-mile times and a reported top rated velocity of 216 mph. Aerodynamic aids these types of as a speed activated splitter and underbody aero shields, together with Ford’s AdvanceTrac with electronic steadiness command system, contributed to the stunning overall performance numbers. Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes introduced the GT back again down to earth pursuing any large-pace runs.

The Shadow Black 2019 Ford GT highlighted in this article, Chassis No. 42, supplied with No Reserve at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, January 21-29 at WestWorld, has all those crafted-in skills and more. Or, in this situation, the extra is considerably less. Ford engineers on the GT method were frequently enthusiastic to shave another portion of a next off acceleration times or obtain an additional mph of major speed. 1 way they achieved this was by weighing every thing critical and then getting a scalpel to slice absent each previous avoidable ounce. This GT is the beneficiary of that focused focus, in the variety of an optional package deal of light-weight products.

This option didn’t have a fancy identify on the Window Sticker, just Tools Team 600A, a $70,000 up grade. Outlined in this group ended up titanium lug nuts, a titanium exhaust and a light-weight Alcantara steering wheel. Gloss uncovered carbon-fiber 20-inch wheels, a polycarbonate rear hatch and a carbon graphics package with dual stripes were also integrated.

A conventional 2019 GT weighed about a single properly-fed bulldog more than 3,000 lbs .. By the time that lightweight products group was included, the bulldog experienced been banished again to the yard and the GT was that substantially more quickly on its toes. By comparison, a 2005 Ford GT, no slouch in its personal suitable with 550 horsepower, weighed about 3,350 lbs ..

Ford launched the light-weight machines deal for the GT as the Carbon Series in a push launch dated Oct 30, 2018. These lightweight GTs have been reported by Ford to be somewhere around 40 lbs lighter than a regular GT, and the lightest option available that was not an outright competitiveness design.

The carbon-fiber sections are evident from the exterior, but the carbon-fiber topic extends into the inside as well. This GT has carbon-fiber accents on the doorway sills, heart console and air register pods. The F1-influenced steering wheel has a flat best and base, as nicely as an integrated LED rev indicator. The paddle shifters powering the steering wheel slide easily to hand.

In addition to the light-weight products, this GT has the optional red brake calipers and the Ford GT indoor car deal with. It is also exceedingly light on miles traveled, with 10 true miles. It comes with the Window Sticker and manufacturing facility establish photos.

It is far too early to get in touch with this 2019 GT a museum piece, but Ford no more time would make these automobiles, and a 10-mile instance is about as untouched as they occur. Which is the element that transforms this light-weight GT into a heavyweight collectible. Register to bid for your possibility to secure this GT for on your own at the 2023 Scottsdale Auction, January 21-29 at WestWorld.