After intense speculation based on features discovered in the Ford GT's owner's manual, FoMoCo unveiled a lightweight version of its new supercar. Called the Competition Series, it shaves weight by dropping luxury items to shift the center of gravity closer to the track for even better road-holding and to maximize output.

Unveiled at the Daytona race track, the site of the GT's win at the Rolex 24 Hours in January 2017, the supercar adopted a few new and innovative features, as well as extra standard features and carbon-fiber components.

“The Ford GT has racing in its blood,” said Raj Nair, Ford's executive vice president and chief technical officer. “The Competition Series was developed with the most hardcore track enthusiasts in mind, providing a tailored set of lightweight features and unique livery to match.”

The Competition Series will go on sale by the end of the year, but pricing and availability information has yet to be announced. Expect the lightweight GT to be produced in even fewer units than the standard model and cost significantly more.

Continue reading to learn more about the Ford GT Competition Series.

2018 Ford GT Competition Series

Specifications
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  • Model: 2018 Ford GT Competition Series
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What makes the Ford GT Competition Series special

If you're looking at the Competition Series and you simply see a regular Ford GT, it's because the lightweight version isn't very different styling-wise. While the lightweight, race-inspired Perspex acrylic engine hatch cover with manual latch and carbon fiber prop rod reduces weight near the roof and shifts the balance of weight lower in the car, the element doesn't alter the car's appearance. The same goes for the Gorilla Glass behind the driver, which is about half as thick - and lighter – than on the standard GT.

The Competition Series also comes with carbon fiber wheels and titanium lug nuts and exhaust, but this are far from new. Available as options on the GT, they come standard on the lighter version of the car.

The only truly unique features the Competition Series has is the gloss carbon fiber stripe, matching mirror caps, and A-pillars. The exposed carbon fiber lower body trim in gloss, also optional on the GT, comes standard. The Competition Series is offered in six Ford GT colors: Shadow Black, Frozen White, Ingot Silver, Liquid Blue, Liquid Grey, and Triple Yellow. Matte Black and Liquid Red are the only hues that can be ordered with the GT but aren't available with the Competition Series.

Inside, the lightweight car keeps the same driver-centric elements of the standard GT, including the F1-styled steering wheel with key functional controls, and Ebony Alcantara suede on the seats, instrument panel and headliner. There's also exposed carbon-fiber on the console and door sills, while Anodized Red paddle shifters and instrument panel badge add a dash of color to the cabin.

Ford also kept the FIA-certified steel roll cage but removed the air conditioning, radio and speakers, storage bins, and cupholders in order to reduce weight. In order to make the Competition Series stand out, the company added a unique center console plate and steering wheel fascia that also account for the deleted infotainment controls and screen.

The drivetrain remains unaltered, meaning that the twin-turbo, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 cranks out the same 647 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque as the standard model. Unfortunately, Ford didn't say how many pounds it managed to shave off compared to the GT, so we have no clue as to how it affects performance. The extra lightness could help it sprint to 60 mph a tenth-second quicker, but this doesn't help much as Ford has yet to release a figure for the standard model. But it's safe to assume it needs less than three seconds. Top speed should remain unchanged at 216 mph.

Pricing for the Competition Series should be higher than the standard model, despite not having many expensive features like the infotainment system. For reference, the GT retails from $450,000. It's also safe to assume that production will be strictly limited.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

3.5-liter, EcoBoost V-6

Horsepower

647 HP

Torque

550 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

3 seconds

Top Speed

216 mph


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