2020 Ford GT gains engine upgrade, new special edition
Ford Performance will upgrade its GT supercar for 2020 with increased engine power (660hp/492kW) and improved cooling.
The company says much of the Ford GT’s advancements are a result of continuous technological innovation, especially regarding the car’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6.
“Ford GT continues to be the pinnacle of Ford performance,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief program engineer. “GT is always the ultimate expression of Ford racing innovation, and as we know from the 1966 Le Mans through today, that means constantly raising our game for our customers as well as earning the chequered flag.”
Beyond the an additional 13hp (10kW) compared to 2017-19 cars, the 2020 GT’s EcoBoost engine features a broader torque band and revised engine calibration plus mechanical upgrades that include gallery-cooled pistons and higher-energy ignition coils, thanks to lessons learned from the limited-edition, track-only GT Mk II.
Additional engine cooling and airflow updates includes new buttress air ducts designed to increase air flow by 50 per cent while larger intercoolers keep charge air temperatures cooler, preserving peak power for the most strenuous, high-temperature sessions at the track. Suspension damping is increased in track mode to further enhance handling and body control, particularly for those high-speed transient sections of closed-course circuits.
Ford Performance is also introducing the premium Akrapovič titanium exhaust as standard equipment for GT. Boasting the signature craftsmanship of these renowned race experts, this exhaust provides a 9lbs (5kg) weight savings over the previous system.
Newly available Ford GT Liquid Carbon places an emphasis on GT’s lightweight sculpted carbon fibre body completely free of paint colour. A special clearcoat punctuates each GT’s unique carbon fibre weave in this limited-edition appearance option.
“This next chapter in the Ford GT story allows us to fully demonstrate our mastery in both the art and science of carbon fibre craftsmanship and finishing,” said Angus Smith, General Manager of Multimatic Niche Vehicles, North America. “The results of this ongoing partnership between Multimatic and Ford Performance speak for themselves, as each visually stunning and unique Liquid Carbon GT is a manufacturing marvel, showcasing the characteristics and nuances inherent in carbon fibre composites.”
Ford GT Liquid Carbon features carbon fibre wheels as standard equipment. Owners can choose titanium lug nuts, six-point racing harness anchors, five interior options and five caliper colours. Further personalisation is available through two over-the-top stripe options – the dual centre stripes offered on the standard Ford GT or the single stripe found on the Carbon Series as well as optional painted mirror caps. Stripes and mirror caps are available in any of the seven standard paint colours as well as the extended colour palette. For the first time, these features can be ordered independently of one another.
Ford Performance is also updating GT’s iconic heritage livery with a new design that includes a black pinstripe to divide the distinct blue and orange colours, recalling the 1968-69 Le Mans-winning GT40. The optional carbon fibre number switches from 9 on the 2019 model to 6 for 2020, matching that of the historic back-to-back winning car, chassis No. 1075. For the first time on a heritage model, carbon fibre wheels are available in lieu of aluminium alloy.
“Our team is very focused on delivering a car that exceeds customer expectations,” said Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “The black pinstripe and carbon fibre wheels have been highly requested with the Gulf livery, so we committed to making that happen.”
Deliveries of the upgraded 2020 Ford GT are ongoing, with production wrapping up in 2022.
