EDMUNDS.COM 2005 FORD GT
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
As a 21st-century update to an American racing legend, the GT succeeds because of its timeless design, world-class performance and relatively low price.
Pros
World-class performance, striking looks, easy-going nature, a theoretical bargain (if you can get one at MSRP).
Cons
Awkward entry/exit procedure, some interior materials don''t live up to MSRP, seats could provide more lateral support.
What''s New for 2005
The Ford GT is an all-new supercar that pays homage to the original GT40 that dominated international sports car racing in the mid- to late-1960s. It will be produced in limited numbers (approximately 3,500 units over a two-year production run) and offer performance on par with the world''s most exclusive -- and expensive -- supercars.
Overview
Introduction:
Ford has been toying with the prospect of recreating the GT40 legend almost since the original model went out of production in the late 1960s. The idea had several false starts throughout the 1990s, including the overly angular GT90 concept car. But just as with the original GT40, the all-new GT comes from a desire to beat the world''s best sports carmaker, Ferrari, at its own game. During the 1960s, the game was winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Henry Ford II wanted to prove that Ford could take on Ferrari at Le Mans and win. He succeeded in 1966 when the GT40 swept the podium, putting an end to Ferrari''s domination of the world''s most respected race circuit. The GT40 went on to win Le Mans in 1967, 1968 and 1969, forever establishing the car''s -- and Ford''s -- place in the annuls of racing history. Fast-forward 40 years and we again see Ford attempting to trump Ferrari''s dominance, only this time the focus is on street performance, specifically the performance benchmark set by the 360 Modena. As with the Modena, the GT is a two-seat sports car that features a super-rigid aluminum chassis, a midengine V8 and an advanced, fully independent suspension system. Wrapped around these high-tech components is a classic shell that looks as if it just drove out of the winner''s circle at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. In fact, one of the biggest challenges faced by the Ford GT team was to develop and combine all of the latest technology in chassis, suspension and engine design while retaining the car''s classic body lines. It succeeded, but only because the 2005 model is much larger overall than the original version. That''s not a bad thing, as the original''s cabin was cramped and awkward while the 2005 model offers plenty of leg- and hiproom. Headroom is adequate for those up to 6 feet 2 inches tall, but taller folks, particularly those who are long in the torso, will find their scalps uncomfortably close to the GT''s roof when seated. Technically, the area immediately above the driver''s and passenger''s head isn''t the roof, but an extension of each door that wraps well into the roof panel -- just as it did in the original version. This makes getting in and out of the GT a tricky process, but the effort proves worthwhile as the car''s 550 horsepower and ultrastable driving dynamics make the GT one of the most capable cars ever produced. Combine the GT''s performance with its relatively low price tag and you have a car that costs less than the Ferrari 360 Modena while beating it in terms of acceleration, handling and overall capability. Henry Ford II would be proud.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Ford GT is a midengine, two-seat sports car available in a single trim. The chassis is constructed of aluminum and rides on a double wishbone suspension, front and rear. The exterior body panels are constructed of super-plastic-formed aluminum, and the vehicle rolls on 18-inch front, 19-inch rear wheels. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows, antilock brakes and an AM/FM/CD audio system. Options are limited, but include an upgraded McIntosh audio system with a four-channel amplifier and single-slot CD player. Other options, such as BBS forged aluminum wheels, red or gray painted brake calipers and a full-length racing stripe (or side stripe delete option) allow buyers a bit of personalization when ordering their GT.
Powertrains and Performance:
A hand-built, all-aluminum 5.4-liter V8 powers the GT. It makes a total of 550 hp at 6,500 rpm with the help of a Lysholm supercharger and intercooler. Peak torque is 500 pound-feet at 3,750 rpm. The engine is hooked to a six-speed Ricardo manual transmission, no automatic or sequential manual transmission is offered. The GT''s combination of horsepower, torque and 315/40 series rear tires allows the car to slingshot to 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds and shred the quarter-mile in well under 12 seconds.
Safety:
Antilock brakes are standard, but stability control and traction control are unavailable on the Ford GT. The passenger seat includes both a child seat tether and ISOFIX mounting hardware. High-intensity discharge headlights are standard.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The interior is a combination of retro design and advanced materials. The wide gauge cluster, metal shift knob and large toggle switches pay homage to the car''s 40-year history, but the magnesium center console with illuminated climate controls offers a futuristic twist. The carbon-fiber seats, center-mounted tachometer and supercharged engine, as seen through the cabin''s rear glass, are clear indicators of the Ford GT''s primary purpose. A large, red button is used to fire the 550-hp V8.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
While rear visibility and the entry/exit process are typical of an exotic car, the GT''s on-road behavior is closer to a Corvette in terms of drivability and ease of use. The clutch pedal and shifter operates smoothly, the steering provides excellent feedback without unnecessary heaviness, and the engine remains docile when idling through slow-moving traffic. Conversely, when driven like a racecar, either at a track or on open roads, the Ford GT provides the kind of stability and confidence that makes other exotics feel nervous and unsure. Everything happens in a smooth, progressive manner, giving the GT an advantage over its direct competitors and making it competitive with cars costing three-to-four times as much.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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