Motoring enthusiasts around the world know that the 2023 Ford GT Mk IV is set to be one of the most powerful and impressive American supercars ever built. With its sleek design, incredible performance, advanced technology, and top-notch craftsmanship, it’s no wonder why everyone can’t stop talking about this beastly ride from the Blue Oval. From industry insiders to everyday fans of American muscle cars – we’ve all been waiting in anticipation for what Ford has in store with their latest top-of-the-line offering. Now that its imminent release is fast approaching, let's dive into some details about just exactly what makes this piece of automotive engineering excellence so special!
Paying Homage To The Original FORD GT MK IV
First, a little history lesson. Back in 1966, the 24 Hours of Le Mans took an unexpected turn. Spectators were amazed when three Fords finished first, second, and third - a remarkable feat for American automobiles, ending the dominance of Ferrari! To commemorate their big win, Henry Ford II staged a publicity moment that went down in history: a photo that captured all three cars crossing near-simultaneously at the finish line.
After a thrilling 360-lap race, Ken Miles and Denny Hulme's #1 car crossed the finish line next to Bruce McLaren and Chris Amon’s #2 car. Despite both cars completing the same number of laps, due to an earlier start position, it was declared that team #2 had covered more ground, so they were awarded 1st prize! Sadly this meant Ken missed out on his chance at racing immortality as he would have gained notoriety by achieving the endurance triple crown victories: Daytona, Sebring & Le Mans.
“The original GT Mk IV held nothing back for max track performance, and the modern-day Ford GT Mk IV brings it in the same way,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “With an even higher level of motorsport engineering and performance, plus a completely new carbon fiber body that is functional and striking, the Mk IV is the ultimate sendoff of the third-generation supercar.”
In 1967, Ford Motor Company’s Mark IV vehicle equipped with a 500-horsepower V8 engine blew through the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit at an average speed record of 135.48 mph. The MK IV came out victorious by crossing the finish line over 32 miles ahead of second place. Drivers Dan Gurney and AJ Foyt were able to reach speeds up to 200mph on its legendary straights.
The Modern-Day Ford GT MK IV Does Not Comply
Fast forward to today and Ford Performance and Multimatic have taken the track-only Ford GT to an entirely new level with their revolutionary model, the Mk IV. With a unique body design, a powertrain boasting an 800+ horsepower twin-turbo EcoBoost engine, a racing transmission plus improved aerodynamics, and a longer wheelbase for enhanced handling dynamics tailored specifically towards high-performance driving – this is a car that can dominate any race track or straightaway.
With its hunkered-down styling, the redesigned car is sure to turn heads. Its aero-focused features - like an impressive rear wing and diffuser, carbon fiber roof scoop, front canards, and grand splitter – make the GT MK IV look as powerful under the hood as it truly is! Cooled by larger side air intakes for increased performance in all conditions, everything about this ride says "let's go!"
The Ford GT MK IV features an incredibly advanced racing transmission and groundbreaking suspension technology. The state-of-the-art Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) suspension enables the driver to select their ride height as well as adjust spring rate and damping for ultimate control when on the track.
The normal driving mode has the vehicle sitting 4.7 inches off the ground. In Track Mode, you can take it all the way down to 2.75 inches or just raise up the front nose, so that nothing stands in your way! The fact that the 2023 Ford GT MK IV isn't street-legal distinguishes it from previous variants. By not having to comply with road car regulations, the engineers had more freedom during development.
A Limited-Run Track Only Beast That Will Cost You A Pretty Penny
A total of just 67 of the 2023 Ford GT MK IV vehicles will be built, each with a starting MSRP of $1.7 million in tribute to the Mk IV and its historic 67’ victory at Le Mans. As with the current-generation GT, those interested in purchasing one must apply and be chosen, a process that is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2023 before production begins in the late spring. Sales and service for this vehicle will be managed by Multimatic.
With its unique twin-turbo EcoBoost engine, racing transmission, aero-focused exterior design, and longer wheelbase chassis with greater on-track handling, the 2023 Ford GT MK IV by Ford Performance and Multimatic is the most extreme track-only Ford GT ever. This AMERICAN SUPERCAR is unbounded in performance and exceeds the expectations put forth by any previous Ford GT. Check out the video below to see the Ford GT MK IV in action on the track!