The Bite Magazine - issue 16

that will surely enhance performance and stopping power in the Ford GT supercar. With aerodynamic efficiency at the heart of the GT design, this actively reduces drag while aiding downforce and stability as well as having an active rear spoiler that enhance both speed and driver input through reactively deploying and adjusting its height and/or pitch angle depending on conditions. Interior Interestedly, the Ford GT has more than 50 different sensors to gather informa- tion about the performance of the car, the driver position and the external environment. It produces more than 100GB of data per hour which includes the front safety sensors, auto-dim- ming mirror sensors, ABS wheel speed sensors, pedal position sensors and vehicle speed sensors. Another amazing revelation is the fact that it features more than 25 computing system or microprocessors to analyse informa- tion gathered by the sensors. With more than 10 million lines of computer code with 300MB of data processed per second and a six and a half-inch touch screen to boot, the Ford GT is surely the super-computer car of the future. And the good news is that the driver doesn’t even have to wrack his brain on how to operate or monitor these fasci- nating processes because ‘Drive Modes’ has been designed to define how these systems perform instead. Using the modes ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’, ‘Track’ and ‘Wet’ enables the engine throttle, trac- tion control, electronic stability control, suspension damping characteristics, active aerodynamics and ride height to work in harmony together to give the ultimate performance in car power. With a two-seat cockpit that is accessi- ble through upward-swinging doors, both driver and passenger seats are integrated directly into the carbon fibre passenger cell. The reason for this is that it signif- icantly reduces seating hardware and weight whilst providing a consistent and direct sensory connection to the chassis. The fixed seating is combined with adjustable pedals and steering column to accommodate a very wide range of driver statures. Just like in the racing version, the Ford GT supercar features a F1-style steering wheel that integrates all the nec- essary driver controls, creating a stalkless steering column that allows uncluttered access to the transmission paddle-shift controls. A fully digital and configurable instrument cluster provides a wealth of driver-focused data while the display is compatible for multiple driving envi- ronments and different driving modes. Talking about the new Ford supercar, Raj Nair added, “While we hope enthusiasts rejoice about this all-new GT, all Ford customers will benefit from the ultimate performance Ford and its new-genera- tion innovations.” Exterior With an astonishing appearance thanks to a curved windshield that enhances the aeronautic design theme, sleek, elongated hood, cool styling on the doors and a signature rear fascia, the all-new Ford GT is bound to cause onlookers to stop in their tracks and admire it. Unlike most cars on the road or even on the race- track, the new styling is reminiscent of both a race car and sports car, especially as it features the aerodynamics of both in order to create a hypercar. When stand- ing among its predecessors, you will see that its visual volumes, tension in its body lines and creases are well defined along with a standout sex appeal. Although the external appearance of the all-new Ford GT supercar is similar to those of the original Ford GT40 model, albeit much bigger, wider and taller; structural-wise, they are different. The LED headlamps feature a rectangular/ horizontal stacking reminiscent of the original Ford GT and are designed to combine both performance and style, ensuring a reliable and long-lasting lumi- nosity. Air is created to move efficiently over, under and around the vehicle through the feature ‘Windblow’, meaning there is less aero drag and therefore improves performance. With signature round Ford GT rear tail-lamps but with an ingenious twist, the centre of the tail- lamps is open to vent transmission and engine oil coolers. Unlike most exhaust systems, the iconic design on the Ford GT is incorporated into the mid-section of the bodywork to maximise diffuser performance at the bottom and to main- tain airflow over the top of the body. Verdict If it had not been for the fact that Enzo Ferrari pulled out of a deal with Henry Ford at the last hour in which the Amer- ican visionary wanted to buy the then small Italian company following their con- secutive wins at Le Mans, we probably wouldn’t have had the Ford GT40. Ford wouldn’t have gone on to win four con- secutive wins from 1965-1969 knocking their former rival off their perch and they probably wouldn’t have returned to Le Mans this year. The 2005/2006 modern version of the original Ford GT40 forty years later may have only lived two years before its demise but Ford did not give up and the all-new Ford GT is said to their best yet even if it does cost around £250,000 to owe one. And with around 6,506 bite cars