The origin story of the Ford GT is one of the most interesting in automotive history. Within 10 months, Ford managed to build one of the most legendary race cars to compete in endurance racing. Although it got off to a rocky start, Ford eventually perfected the formula, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans race 3 years on the trot, and beating its arch-rival Ferrari at its own game.
The "40" in the name represented the height at 40-inches, which was the minimum allowed. Other than the futuristic design and excellent performance, another aspect that stood out with the original GT 40 was the massive 7.0L V8 powering it. Soon after, the engine was downsized to 4.9L to comply with FIA regulations. Unlike the Ford GT, Ferrari used smaller capacity V12 engines to power their race cars with similar output overall.
While the Ford GT40 was a legend at the time, it was not available to the public till 2004, almost half a century since the original model hit the racetrack. Following the GT's success, several other kit cars and replicas were inspired by the GT and available to the public, until Ford themselves decided to make the new GT in 2002.
Finally, after 10 more years, the Ford GT Ecoboost V6 was launched in 2015. As its name suggests, the new second-generation GT ditched the V8 for a turbocharged V6 engine, much to the disappointment of fans.
The new Ford GT took the "Grand Touring" name seriously with comfortable seats, plenty of creature comforts, and a capable V8 engine. The road-going GT was also taller than its predecessor by 3-inches, liberating more space on the inside. Unfortunately, Ford pulled the plug on the first generation GT after just 2 years with just over 4,000 units leaving the production line.
Although the performance was significantly higher than the first-generation model thanks to two turbochargers and a high compression engine, the GT still needed a brutal V8 to complete the picture. Fortunately, that may very well come true as there are plenty of rumors spreading around suggesting the release of a GT with a V8 engine.
Ford has already announced plans to discontinue the GT's production run in 2022, meaning next year's model will be the final version of the current generation. While future plans are still unclear, Ford is expected to release a final edition package to commemorate the production run coming to an end.
Current rumors suggest a massive 7.3L Godzilla V8 behind the driver, going out in a thundering fashion as the original GT40 did at Le Mans. The "Godzilla" V8 as Ford calls it was launched last year as a replacement for the 6.8L modular V10 found in their E-Series vans and SuperDuty pickup trucks.
It has to be noted that the new 7.3L engine is very compact with an overhead camshaft design. At its highest state of tune, the engine is capable of producing 430 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, which is significantly lower than the current EcoBoost V6 in the Ford GT belting out 660 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque with its small capacity.
Because of its compact design, it may be possible to cram it into the GT's compact engine bay without any issues. To improve power output, Ford is reportedly planning on bolting two turbochargers to the V8 engine to significantly improve performance. From the ground up, the engine is built to take some serious abuse with an iron block, forged crankshafts, and advanced siamesed cylinders to increase cooling capacity. Currently, the engine is under-stressed when used in the trucks even in its highest state of tune, meaning it can easily handle the extra performance with some minor updates.
So far, rumors point to two prototype engines, and it could find its way into several other models including the Ford Mustang, upcoming Ford raptor R, and more.
Recently some spy shots surfaced that show a Ford GT driving around Allen Park, Michigan with a modified rear end and engine cover. It was also spotted next to EPA's testing facility. Both facts point towards a new powertrain being tested, possibly for a release next year with the final production run. With the twin-turbocharged Godzilla V8, we can expect power figures exceeding 700 hp, making the GT one of the fastest production models on sale today.
From the spy shots, we can see a different rear end with missing parts, no diffuser, and updated exhaust tips. An oil cap can also be seen at an unusual position not seen on the regular model, hinting at something different in the drivetrain. Some other reports also came to light about Ford testing a GT in Detroit with a different engine than the twin-turbo V6 of the current model. The reports also suggest the test car sounding different from the regular model with the V6.
Recently, Ford also announced a new 2022 Ford GT Heritage Edition which gets a Wimbledon White paint scheme similar to the original 1964 Ford GT prototype. Unlike the full-blown V8 powered model explained above, the Heritage Edition will get the standard powertrain but instead concentrates on a retro-inspired design.
While most of the body is painted in Wimbledon White, the front splitter, side sills, mirrors, engine louvers, rear diffuser, and some other panels get carbon fiber treatment with a glossy finish. Like the original model, the stripe and rear deck are finished in Antimatter Blue, so are the 20-inch carbon fiber wheels.
To contrast with the blue wheels, the brake calipers are painted in silver with black accents. The design changes also continue inside the cabin with Blue Alcantara upholstery covering most of the interiors along with silver stitching. Embossed GT logos are also spread out everywhere including the seats and head restraints. The changes also extend to the instrument panel which gets ebony leather finishing.
Like the exteriors, the door sills, lower A-pillars, and center console get carbon fiber finishing. The new Heritage Edition along with the original 1964 prototype will be showcased at Monterey Car Week. While the Heritage Edition is purely cosmetic, the rumored GT with a V8 engine will certainly make headlines if Ford actually releases it next year.
It also seems poetic for the final Ford GT to ride off into the sunset with a V8 under its hood, marking the end of an era for Ford and internal combustion engines.
