During the Daytona 500 event held last month, Ford showcased their latest version of the record-breaking GT. The new model is lighter than the regular GT but styling wise, there is little that tells the two models apart. In fact, if they stand side-by-side, you will have trouble telling them apart. The model is christened the Ford GT Competition Series. Unlike the standard GT, the Competition Series will not flaunt any of the luxury features available in the regular model including the infotainment system. The Daytona racetrack was chosen specifically to celebrate the automaker’s earlier triumph at the site during the Rolex 24 Hours. Read along for more:
Ford GT Competition Series Exterior
Design-wise, the Ford GT Competition Series is not very different from the regular GT. The model is however very light compared to the regular GT. This is courtesy of a number of weight saving modifications. These modifications include a lightweight Perspex acrylic engine hatch top that is race-inspired, Gorilla glass windscreen and bulkhead and a carbon-fiber prop rod. It also features lightweight A-pillars, carbon-fiber wheels with titanium lug nuts as well as a titanium exhaust system all as standard.
To separate the Competition Series from the regular GT, Ford has hooked it up with a gloss carbon fiber stripe and carbon-fiber mirror caps. The model also features as standard a carbon fiber lower body accenting. The model will be available in 6 exterior colors; they are Frozen White, Liquid Blue, Shadow Black, Ingot Silver, Triple Yellow and Liquid Grey.
Ford GT Competition Series Interior
The cabin also remains largely unchanged compared with the standard GT. It comes with a similar F1-inspired steering wheel that hosts important controls. The model’s seats are wrapped in suede Ebony Alcantara. The same upholstery is also used on the headliner and instrument panel. The model also features a carbon fiber trim on the doorsills and center console. The new GT also adds anodized paddle shifters colored in red. There is also a GT Competition Series badge on the instrument panel.
Being a track-oriented model, all luxury equipments have been thrown out. Therefore, there is no air conditioning, stowage bins, speakers, radio and cupholders. As said earlier, the infotainment system has also been thrown out. The automaker has however retained the steel roll cage that is FIA-certified.
Engine and performance
Ford has retained the engine setup of the outgoing model unchanged. Thus, the Ford GT Competition Series will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5 L, V-6 that is rated at 647 horses and 550 lb-ft of torque. Due to reduced weight, the model will likely be quicker than the standard GT.
However, Ford has not disclosed the amount of weight loss making it hard to determine its effect on the model’s performance. I think it will take less than 3.0 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph. Its top speed will likely remain electronically limited at 216 mph.
Price and release date
Ford is still mum about the new GT Competition Series prices. However, it will likely be more expensive than the regular GT. The regular GT has a starting price of $450,000. The automaker will avail this information when the model nears its on-sale date later this year. I expect production numbers of the model to be limited.
