The iconic blue and orange paint job is back on the car that made it famous.
Well, in digital form anyways.
But what is really exciting is that Ford has made it clear in recent days that the focus of this new GT supercar program is a return to the racetrack.
This twin-turbo V6 stunner has big dreams to return to LeMans in 2016 – 50 years after the original GT40 MkII made history and outperformed Ferrari in the famous 24 hour endurance race in France, and the timing is no coincidence.
The new Ford coupe is built to conform to the Automobile Club de l’Ouest’s (ACO) GTE regulations. This is the same class where the factory Porsche, Ferrari, Corvette Racing and Aston Martin teams compete in the annual 24 Hours of LeMans race.
We also know that pilots of this Ford GT will be none other than Scott Pruett, the winningest driver in North American road racing history. His connection to Ford dates back to the 80’s when he joined the manufacturer as a developmental driver. A secondary driver, Joey Hand, has been a factory BMW driver for eight years.
These two American drivers are ready to lead the development of the Ford GT as the team gets ready to represent Ford on the international stage.
Other details we have learned is that Ford was supposed to announce the return to LeMans at the same time they announced the Ford GT at the NAIAS, but Ford has opted to time the announcement right before the race at LeMans in June.
The new Ford GT’s is powered by the same 3.5-liter TTV6 EcoBoost Daytona Prototype engine, and it only makes sense for Ford to run with theis engine. And due to the reliability it has displayed at major endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Daytona, the Ford GT road car will hit the ground running with a thoroughbred engine package.
Furthermore, the Le Mans / TUDOR series is arguably the best automotive road-racing series going these days. We hope that this addition brings the series more viewers and fans. Where else do you get to see such a diversity of bleeding-edge technology along with the world’s best production-based race cars?
This is an exciting time for Ford, and they are getting ready to display our racing heritage on the international stage. We will keep you updated as this race program develops and prepares for the June race.
