Ten years on from the launch of its predecessor, the new Ford GT shows just how far supercar development has come. While the 2005 model used an ultra-butch 5.4-litre supercharged V8, the car revealed in Detroit will employ a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged ‘Ecoboost’ V6 producing 592bhp – along with a host of aerodynamics-enhancing and weight-saving measures. 

Looking back while moving forward

The mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout of its predecessor is retained, although now defined by a carbonfibre passenger cell with aluminium subframes front and rear. Carbonfibre body panels form part of the structure of the car, while a deployable rear spoiler leads the list of active aerodynamic functions. Recalling its GT40 forefather – the GT’s 2016 launch will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the 1966 grid lock-out at Le Mans – it also sports a curved windshield. Access to the two seats, which are incorporated directly into the carbonfibre floor, is through doors which open upwards, much like those of a McLaren 650S; gone are those of its predecessors that incorporated much of the roof’s surface area.

Photos: Ford