Photo Credit: Ford

Ford recently created a new in-house motorsport division called “Ford Performance”. At the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, they rolled out the new 2016 Ford GT, a car that makes the “Ford Performance” moniker an understatement. 50 years after the Ford GT40 rocked the racing world with a 1-2-3 finish at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, and 10 years after the much heralded previous iteration left the lots, Ford has reimagined it’s world class supercar and shown us they are serious about performance.

Photo Credit: Ford

While the 2005/2006 Ford GT was a near clone of the classic GT40, this GT pays perfect homage to the heritage in its design while its sleek lines, sharp details, and upward swinging doors take the GT decidedly into the future. The technology underneath the skin is just as high tech. Powering the mid-engine supercar will be Ford’s new twin turbocharged 3.5L Ecoboost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower mated to a seven speed dual-clutch transmission. While fans of the last Ford GT might lament the loss of the V8 engine, Ford promises “outstanding acceleration and handling with improved efficiency” which is a welcome change from the previous version’s tendency to chug fuel like it was at a keg party. In addition, Ford’s demonstration of the Ecoboost engine’s note proved be sweet music to the crowd’s ears and enough to dispell those no-V8 fears. We can’t wait to hear it scream on the racetrack.

Photo Credit: Ford

The engine isn’t the only advanced tech behind the new Ford GT. The body is entirely carbon fiber wrapped around aluminum subframes. Ford says this GT will “exhibit one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car.” Active aerodynamics and an actuated rear spoiler are employed to improve braking and downforce keeping the 20-inch wheels and custom Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires firmly on the ground.  Carbon ceramic brake discs at all four wheels ensure this car will stop as impressively as it drives.

Photo Credit: Ford

Inside, the 2 seat cockpit features fixed seats that are directly integrated into the carbon fiber passenger cell, significantly reducing weight and giving the occupants a directly connected feel to the chassis. An F1-style steering wheel and the paddle shifters located in easy access to it compliments an impressive digital instrument cluster which provides full customization and multiple driving modes to the give the driver a personalized feel. No pricing details have been announced yet, but a cost in the range of $150,000 to $200,000 is expected.

Photo Credit: Ford

Ford says “the GT is the ultimate execution of an enthusiast supercar” and from what we’ve seen so far, looks like this car will join the ranks of the world’s top exotics when it hits the roads next year. Tell us your thoughts on the all new 2016 Ford GT in the comments section below!

Photo Credit: Ford

Photo Credit: Ford

Photo Credit: Ford

Photo Credit: Ford

Photo Credit: Ford