The Ford GT is more than just a supercar, it’s a beacon for the entire Ford lineup – a place of innovation, engineering marvel and technology that will influence the design of Ford vehicles for years to come.
When production on the new Ford GT began in 2013, Ford engineers set out to design the ultimate supercar with a few goals in mind.
“The first was to use it as a training ground for our engineers as we develop future engine technology and stretch our understanding of aerodynamics,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president and president, North America. “Then, to push the boundaries of advanced material usage, such as lightweight carbon fiber.”
For this performance vehicle, it was carbon fiber that would carry the load – or lack thereof.
#Performance at every angle. #Swipe and see.
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Not only do space-age carbon fibers allow for lighter and more efficient parts, to lessen the load and help deliver every bit of power from the 647 horsepower EcoBoost engine, it’s the highly specific geometry of the Ford GT that delivers big time aerodynamics – and with it, record-setting performance.
Working with partners like Multimatic Motorsports (which proudly builds every Ford GT in Markham, Ontario) and DowAksa (carbon fiber experts that Ford initially partnered with in 2015), the exacting requirements of the Ford GT demand unique solutions. But Ford engineers are always thinking long-term. These relationships could eventually benefit a wider array of Ford drivers if carbon fiber makes its way through the lineup.
The flying buttresses, extending from the roof down to the rear fenders, give the Ford GT its distinctive look. These aerodynamic features (that also happen to look super cool!) simply wouldn’t be possible without carbon fiber. Conventional metastamping simply doesn’t permit parts of this shape and specification.
This type of carbon fiber part works well on the GT supercar, but it’s also the exact kind of innovation we see across the entire Ford Performance line. Look for a host of carbon fiber options on some 2018 Mustang models. Light weighting plays a crucial role in increasing performance, fuel efficiency, and in the case of F-Series, hauling and towing capabilities.
Every gram saved is another step towards more performance, better use of every single horsepower and pound/foot of torque. It means more control for your vehicle and more bang for your buck on fuel.
The extensive use of carbon fiber in the GT’s body is an important step towards seeing carbon fiber appearing else on the Ford lineup. Similar to the use of high-strength aluminum alloy, which later appeared in the F-Series lineup and the all-new 2018 Ford Expedition, it’s very possible that carbon fiber will someday make an appearance in other vehicles bearing the blue oval.
Which Ford vehicles do we need to outfit with carbon fiber parts? Let us know below or comment on Ford Canada’s Facebook!