Having the unique opportunity to drive both generations of the Ford GT during the press launch provided invaluable insight into the evolution of this iconic model. While initial drives on public roads and even spirited track sessions hinted at the new Ford GT’s potential, the true extent of its race-car engineering remained veiled until pushed to its absolute limits.
Even with aggressive driving on both streets and circuits, my first experiences with the half-million-dollar Ford GT supercar were approached with a degree of reservation, particularly on an unfamiliar track. Yet, it swiftly became clear: the new Ford GT embodies Ford’s unwavering vision – a Ford Gt Race Car, barely tamed for legal road use. The extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber, the cutting-edge suspension technology, the performance-oriented cockpit design, and the snug cabin all underscore a singular focus: prioritizing raw performance above all else.
Two generations of Ford GT race cars, showcasing the new Ford GT alongside the 2005 model in Utah, highlighting their performance lineage.
This uncompromising approach firmly distinguishes the latest Ford GT from its more road-focused second-generation predecessor. As I previously noted in my Autotrader review, this Blue Oval hypercar represents a radical departure for Ford, echoing the spirit of the legendary Ford GT40. The original GT40 was designed as a pure race car, and thanks to the more lenient homologation regulations of the 1960s, Ford produced a limited run of street-legal versions with minimal concessions to road usability, primarily to satisfy racing requirements.
Close-up of the Ford GT race car's exhaust tips, emphasizing the carefully tuned exhaust note for a powerful V6 engine sound.
Unlike the comfortable grand touring nature of the 2005-2006 Ford GT, the new model is unequivocally a race car for the streets. This realization solidified during the 700-mile journey back to Los Angeles after a day spent driving and photographing both vehicles. While I personally relished the new GT’s aggressive character, it became apparent that owners accustomed to the more refined driving experience of the previous generation would need to recalibrate their expectations. The meticulously engineered exhaust note further reinforces its performance pedigree, ensuring the V6 engine delivers a sound as purposeful as any V8.
Side profile of the white Ford GT race car against the backdrop of Utah mountains, illustrating its aerodynamic design and extreme performance focus.
From the spartan storage solutions to the track-tuned exhaust system, every detail of the new GT telegraphs its racing DNA. Prospective owners eagerly awaiting their deliveries must understand this fundamental truth: the new Ford GT is, at its core, a race car meticulously engineered to deliver an unparalleled track experience, even when driven on public roads.
The 2005 Ford GT during the Utah press launch, representing the grand touring heritage in contrast to the new Ford GT race car.
Owners of the second-generation model must recognize the inherently pure, performance-driven nature of this new Ford GT. It’s a different breed, a true Ford GT race car for the modern era.
