Ford's GT has captured the hearts of racers and race car enthusiasts alike. The 2023 GT is no exception, as it showcases the brand's commitment to making automotive history. Known for its iconic teardrop shape that boasts seemingly impossible aerodynamics – it is one of the most powerful vehicles ever produced by Ford. Now, it’s now time to say goodbye. The final lap for the Ford GT is here, with a proper send-off from its well-deserved legacy that takes us back to the 1960s.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The last model of the Ford GT, known as the Mk IV, is a track-only model.
- Boasting a mighty 800 horsepower, groundbreaking aerodynamics, and razor-sharp handling, the GT is true to its racing spirit.
- Ford will hand-select clients who will be able to purchase the GT, with a starting price of $1.7 million.
HISTORY IN THE MAKING: 2023
Describing the GT as a supercar is an understatement. It has come so far since its conception and has led the way for automotive innovation since. This final year 2023 is in production, Ford bids farewell to the GT in a manner that pays homage to its rich history, through its design. The GT models have recently been drawing inspiration from their historic predecessors. The 2023 model is no exception and celebrates Ford’s victory in the process. The 2024 GT is modeled after the 1967 GT Mk IV race car, the car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A historic moment, after just being introduced a few years prior and coming in first against other top competitors like Ferrari. Following in the footsteps of its ancestors, the 2023 GT demands attention as a true race car.
A HIGH-END RACE CAR
If you had hopes of owning this collector's gem, it may be time to reconsider, for the time being. This new GT isn’t just for anyone to purchase. Unlike the previous year's model, which was street-legal, the 2023 GT is exclusively designed for the racetrack. Ford is only allowing a select group of drivers the privilege of owning one of the 67 produced units—a symbolic number honoring the year 1967. Through a process Ford has described as “painstaking”, each of the 67 cars will be hand crafted and will cost a starting price of $1.7 million dollars. Each vehicle will be meticulously hand-built, with upgrades that focus on optimizing performance for racers on the track. The lightweight race car has undergone a very noticeable design transformation as well, featuring a carbon fiber and a futuristic blue color scheme—a striking departure from the traditional "red and white stripe" racing aesthetic of last year’s special edition GT. The client selection process most likely has already ended. Ford mentioned they would have clients picked in early 2023.
SPEED & POWER: UNDENIABLY THE BEST
In its final year, the 2023 GT is making a statement about its speed potential. With a few more updates compared to the previous model, the 2023 GT makes for one of the best track-ready racecars. The GT now boasts a twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering an astonishing 800 horsepower. To compare, last year's street-legal model had a standard horsepower of 660. Also, to enhance track performance and make sure its drivers are well-equipped, Ford has incorporated a Multimatic's Adaptive Spool Valve, improved suspension, an extended wheelbase, and center lock wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport racing slicks. The interior is expected to prioritize the race car driver's experience, stepping away from the comforts of the previous model. Now, it features track safety equipment such as a roll cage, racing seats, and safety harnesses. Entertainment features found in the 2022 model also have no more need in the 2023 GT with the car's exclusive focus on racing.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR FORD?
As the GT sheds its conventional features to become solely a racing car set on closing out its history, its true nature is revealed: the GT is and has always been an unrivaled racing machine. There’s still great news to come, as the conclusion of one chapter marks the beginning of another great story. We’re excited to see what Ford has next in store as it continues to lead the way in innovation. It is inevitable that in due time, Ford will create something equally iconic as the famous GT.