2017 Ford GT test drive the coolest American hypercar
The first test drive Ford GT 2017 model year sports car that can drive on public roads
Luxury car of the third generation Ford returns to its roots. Surrounded by two beautiful snow-capped mountain ranges and the arid desert plain, a race track that meets all modern requirements, has never been a repository of so many hopes and expectations. On it, in Utah, we decided to experience the latest generation of the legendary Ford GT, one kind who is filled with sentimental memories of merit series. It is so seductive that being next to him for the first time can feel like the teenager who first saw the female form.
The model will be release for four years, and the annual volume will be 250 copies, and each potential buyer is carefully selected representatives of the company and only then get the right to pay for the car 450 000 dollars. According to the manufacturer, the profit is not the purpose of this project, rather, it is addressed to the faithful fans of the brand. The car should be faithful to the classical canons, and not be perceived as open to interpretation. However, one can be sure 100% – new Ford GT would have to be pretty damn fast.
As awful as handsome nor was the Ford GT, the car is stylistically very close to its ancestor, GT40, which won the famous race 24 hours of Le Mans. That’s why race car from Ford, participated in the race last year, so similar to its road-going version. Unlike most modern models, this car was originally designed for professional of racing, and only later was adapted for civilian purposes. A special praise deserves the design that managed to combine the aggressive features, a fresh look and recognition with the classic contours of the cars in this series. Highlight the style and 20-inch wheels, shod in tires specially developed design.
But the interior of the car boast anything outstanding, unfortunately. can’t. Here feature traditional seats with strong lateral support, multifunction steering wheel, which for a racing version, rather a disadvantage and a digital display instead of the usual instrument cluster.
Looks unusual only the Central console is executed in two levels — this decision echoes the interiors of classic American cars of the 70-ies. Managing transmission has lost the traditional lever — now this function is put on the button. The materials used for the finishes are quite common in the construction of racing models is a carbon fiber, aluminum and Alcantara.
Under the hood novelties instead of the traditional V8 is a much more modest engine — V-shaped six-cylinder that puts some distance the buyer from the classical canons. While every inch the elegant bodywork of the car is very functional in accordance with the strict racing requirements. Housing is so tight to the main components that you are installing another motor instead Biturbo EcoBoost radically changed the whole shape of the car.
Had to abandon the spectacular edges on the side where the intercoolers turbines, and the aerodynamic buttresses that host attachments. Since these buttresses are used to achieve maximum structural rigidity, as well as to generate airflow directed to the rear wing, they have a much larger size than necessary stylistically. It is recognized that the V8 definitely spoiled this harmonious way.
The process of getting a GT is much easier than in most cars, however, certain restrictions due to the size and class of the car, of course, present. In the cabin mounted FIA approved roll cage, whose appointment to the civilian version is sometimes difficult to understand. Well, the mid-engined layout and rear-wheel drive oblige. Weight distribution is close to ideal and is 43:57 as a percentage.
When leaving the vehicle, you will appreciate the wide rear threshold, which gives an additional point of support, so necessary in low-lying roof. For security reasons, seats are mounted at a certain distance from the steering column to avoid overly dense planting. For the convenience of the driver on the right is the nylon strap, pulling you can bring to my entire pedal Assembly including the base plate to rest your left foot.
Pressing a large red button starts the engine with an impressive soundtrack, which was created in order to pay tribute to the heritage of the brand and to continue the mission of their predecessors. Thanks quite loyal to the requirements of the racing class “K” sound 647-strong motor, outstanding 746 Nm of torque, really fascinating.
The steering wheel is a circular switch that lets you choose from three riding modes: N – standard, S sport and T – race. When choosing the latest on-Board computer prompted for confirmation before the hydraulic actuator to firmly lock the coil spring suspension. While the vehicle chassis is lowered to 50 mm in just a second. As a result of such adjustment as if the suspension “bounces” because of the resistance to torsion of one of the torsion rods. This is a neat trick made possible only through long-term adjustment of modern dampers DSSV (Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve), which significantly improved their functionality.
The Ford GT is not just closely associated with racing cars GTE and GTLM, on the track it behaves amazingly fast and aggressive. Our testers had to drive a few laps before they were able to detach the right leg from the brake pedal, at least for straight sections. It should be noted that when braking, an active rear wing takes a vertical position, facilitating the fastest possible deceleration. And at a smooth acceleration it is returned to its normal position, creating effective downforce on the rear axle.
Two flaps, located at the front of the car, can also change its position, rising and forcing the flow of air through the nostrils air intakes that house the radiators, or falling, to guide them under the bottom of the car to create a vacuum under the front axle due to the entry of air through the large air vents behind the front wheels.
On corner exit the driver instinctively holding his right foot on the brake pedal, accompanying the drive angry roar of the engine EcoBoost V6, which is obviously not crossed for the sake of ecology or economy. Takes just over a second from the moment of intense acceleration, and the driver already switch to fourth gear.
The engine retains the driving dynamics throughout the rpm range as you shift. But as soon as the driver approaches the fifth step, a large part of his attention is focused more on preparation for braking. When you press on the brake pedal the rear wing and brake calipers so effectively cope with their responsibilities that the driver really feels driving a real sports car. This is facilitated in line the mechanisms of Brembo, which was specifically developed for this model.
Power assisted steering classic steering provides excellent feedback. In the middle of a sharp turn, the car is great for the arc and its position can be corrected easily with light taps on the accelerator or brake pedal. The model turned out to be so easy that an inexperienced pilot can feel their helplessness. But it is perfectly set up for someone who has some management skills fast cars. GT does not violate the laws of physics, it just uses them as their playgrounds.
Limited the average flow speed on the roads of General use, Ford GT leaves a sense of mystery. Cosmically large air intakes located ahead of the rear axle, creating the impression that the car is much wider than it actually is. This is due to the need to accommodate the additional cooling channels, a much needed powerful V6.
Turning from the country road on mountain pass, and immediately felt the presence of gravel under the wheels — the sound of beating on the bottom of the stones flying from under the wheels drowns out everything else. In our opinion, it is the lack of noise and will complain about most owners, but it is a characteristic feature of thoroughbred racing cars. Effective insulation greatly weighted the design and negated the feasibility of using carbon fiber for the relief of the body.
However, despite the intense heat on the day of our test drive, much discomfort in the cabin was not felt because four duct gently passed through the door, and the heat from the hot engine effectively dissipated through the rear vents. It’s a subtle reminder that the GT copes with absolutely all assigned duties.
Having tested a novelty in the most extreme conditions, we’ve put the transmission in automatic mode, but after a couple of laps all testers caught myself thinking that the car is quite comfortable. According to the manufacturer, the designers have spent an unprecedented amount of time to calibrate the electronics, responsible for shifting.
The steering wheel is decorated with a dozen buttons, two switches, two handles and two flap lever as well as a scattering of led lamps. Of special interest is the handle located to the left of the steering column, which controls the drive modes. In “standard” mode, the car becomes softer, his aggression is dulled to make the trip as comfortable as possible, and on a country road most people enjoy the “sport”mode.
If you go the speed limit in 120 km/h, the rear wing will dramatically change the tilt angle, indicating that you exceeded the limitations. Dispersal to first hundred is about 3 seconds. Advanced system protection “turbopowered” EcoBoost keeps both turbines in a constant state of readiness at a high speed to provide maximum engine performance immediately after opening the throttle. The engine responds to low-frequency roar, even on a short press of the gas pedal, regardless of the selected gear.
Public roads, on which we carried out race, not too suitable for maximum speed of 347 km/h. Moreover, such experiments can be quickly suppressed by the police. That is why our testers immediately decided to overcome the current speed limit.
Driving on public roads does not allow to fully enjoy the features of the new generation of the legendary car, it does not really unlock its potential. But it was here that feel the massive interest in his car, when the sight of every passerby, every passenger of the bus and each driver literally chained to you.
Back on the country road, the first thing you begin to wonder, is the purpose of the new, which is a symbiosis of exquisite sport style, perfection of technologies and adherence to the classical canons. On city streets clearly uncompromising, not allowing to provide comfort during monotonous driving. But when there is the possibility of the soul to press on the gas pedal, it becomes clear that the Ford GT is all that is necessary for the driver, and not an ounce more.
Brief specifications:
Model name: FORD GT;
Engine: twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-shaped 6-cylinder;
Capacity: 647 horsepower;
Torque: 746 Nm;
Transmission: 7-speed DCT;
Maximum speed: 347 km/h;
Average fuel economy: 21.4 l/100 km in the urban cycle and 13.1 l/100 km in suburban mode;
Drive type: rear;
Curb weight: 1385 kg;
Estimated value: 450 000 USD.