The Bite Magazine - issue 16

Innovation through Using the same magic to revamp a classic model as they did with the Mustang, Ford introduces the all-new GT, a nod to the original GT40 and a triumph return to Le Mans. Jada Brookes discovers more about this sexy and upgraded sports car. F ord may have wowed car enthu- siasts with their update of the 2015 Ford Mustang a year and a half ago but it didn’t stop them doing it again with the revamped version of the Ford GT. Taking inspi- ration from the GT40 racing cars of the 1960s, the American marque first updated the GT model in both 2005 and 2006 in anticipation of their centennial anniversary. Now ten years later, Ford has decided to redesign the classic model once again to mark the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. “As we at Ford drive innovation into every part of our business, it’s worth remembering that our first innovation as a company was not in a laboratory, but on the race- track,” Mark Fields, Ford President and Chief Executive Officer said in reference to Henry Ford’s win of a 1901 car race that inspired financial backers to invest in his company. “We are passionate about innovation through performance and cre- ating vehicles that make people’s hearts pound.” As part of the anniversary celebration, this year will see the Ford GT return to the racing tracks of Silverstone and Le Mans for the World Endurance Cham- pionship with professional racing driver Andy Priaulx behind the wheel. “For me to be driving for Ford in theWEC is just on another level,” he declared. “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the car and start the preparations for the season. Any motorsport fan will remember the iconic Ford GT40 cars of the past, and for me to be part of this programme 50 years after Ford’s historic win at Le Mans is such a privilege.” Having won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969, the GT (meaning Grand Touring) finally took over track rival Ferrari’s reign who had previously won Le Mans six times in a row from 1960 to 1965. The Ford GT was built and designed in England (Mk I, Mk II and Mk III) and the United States (Mk IV) with a series of American-built engines. bite cars