The next Gran Turismo star we'll be showcasing in Gran Turismo 7 is none other than the 21st-century take of the legendary Le Mans victor, the Ford GT, which served as the cover car of Gran Turismo 4, which is by no means one of the best installments of the franchise because of its diverse range of cars and beautiful locations.
The 21st-century take on the legendary Ford GT40 race car first appeared as a concept car at the 2002 North American International Auto Show and 45 days after its introduction, Ford announced that the production version of the said concept is underway. Working under the Petunia project name, Carroll Shelby was heavily involved in the development of the said car.
The Ford GT, which was launched as a 2005 model, is powered by a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine that produces 550HP of power and 500lb-ft of torque while mated to a Ricardo 6-speed MT with a helical LSD. It does 0-60mph in under three seconds and has a top speed of 212mph, which is comparable to European supercars.
Fun fact despite not being destined for Japan, Gran Turismo series creator Kazunori Yamauchi bought two Ford GTs. It's surprising that he made the Ford GT the cover car of Gran Turismo 4.
Despite its age, the original Ford GT launched in the mid-2000s is surprisingly quick by modern standards, and not only that, it's still challenging to drive from the start, meaning only those who are brave enough can witness the true potential of Ford's 21st-century take on the legendary Ford GT40 race car. I'm sure Gran Turismo fanatics had the fondest memories of driving this car ever since they got one in Gran Turismo 4. Anyway, nostalgia aside, it's time to give the hero car of GT4 a quick lap around the legendary Laguna Seca, famous for its notorious Corkscrew corner that sent the unlucky ones tripping.
Without further ado, let's roll the tape.
After a quick and challenging lap around Laguna Seca, the Ford GT did it in 1:44.404. What a surprise.
If the original Ford GT40 was famed for ending Ferrari's reign in Le Mans, the 21st-century take on the Ford GT is capable of giving European exotics a run for its money.
It's great to have the iconic Ford GT returned to GT7 for nostalgic purposes, despite the fact that it got overshadowed by its second-generation Ford GT launched in 2015. Still, it's worth fun enjoying the first Ford GT in the game because of its status as the cover car of GT4.
What other Gran Turismo stars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.
In honor of the 12 Hours of Sebring, it's time for me to take a spin around one of Florida's most iconic racetracks with Ford's Le Mans winning GT race car that has been dominating every single endurance races since its Daytona debut in 2016.
Once used as an US Air Force base, Sebring is one of the oldest continuously operating race tracks in America with the first race occurred and the first 12 hour endurance event in 1952. While it was deemed to be technical compared to some tracks, the high speed corners can really spell the difference between a victory and defeat. In the case of this Ford GT, it feels pretty much every match ever took.
You should know, the Ford GT Le Mans racecar feature numerous innovations Ford believes will not only make it competitive in the LM GTE Pro class but also provide benefits to each vehicle in the Ford range such as state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced lightweight composites, and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that powers it.
A few years ago, I once said that despite being less powerful than the normal Ford GT, its racing modifications made extensively for endurance racing shows that it's not as challenging as it looks and I have high hopes that this car can edge out against the likes of Ferrari and Chevrolet, as long as these cars shouldn't encounter problems the drivers face as the race gets harder and harder. Perhaps, it's no wonder why this car has been crushing not just the IMSA, but also the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. An upset not just for Ferrari but also Corvette as well, putting the Blue Oval back into action. When raced in any kind of endurance event, it's like its breaking the record over and over again and looks like the opposition could keep up with Ford's comeback kid and looks like I'm on to something here.
What do we say, how about a quick lap round Sebring to see what is like to drive with Ford's GTE Pro-class dominator that is more than just being a comeback kid for the Ford GT ever since it came back?
Although it's tricky to handle in some parts of Sebring, the high speed straights this track provided really made this car feel like smooth sailing but in a middle of a race like the one going on now, it's hard to keep distance while planning to overtake your opponents. It's no wonder why this race is legendary among racing enthusiasts everywhere and now, here I am, feeling the Sebring breeze whilst in the middle of the action going on now.
So, are you feeling the Sebring breeze right now? For the Ford GT's case, it's feeling it right now and the day after that, the Ford GT's looking for more fights in the racetrack just to show the world how it's made.
The new Ford GT may look different than the previous Ford GT that combines history and performance with ease but with all the added sophistication and the firepower from its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, this modern-day take on the American Ferrari beater in Le Mans is a real winning formula for Ford and because it was so successful, it even scored a class win at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans. Not even the Corvette can't keep up with that.
While taking its motoring vacation to the Land Down Under after all that hectic schedule on the track, the new Ford GT in Forza Horizon 3 is all about showing its true capabilities as a world-class supercar that incorporates the pinnacle of Ford's lineup of high-performance cars consisting of the new F-150 Raptor, the Mustang GT350, the Fiesta ST, the Focus ST, and of course, the Ford Focus RS.
As they told, the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine that powers it produces 638HP of power, which is more than what the old Ford GT's Supercharged V8 engine it possesses and while mated with a 7-speed automatic gearbox, it can go flat out in over 216mph. Apart from the raw power it possesses, the aerodynamics play a key factor to the Ford GT. With the front end, flying buttresses, rear end, and the rear wing played a major role in aerodynamics, it's about as sleek as an F-22 Raptor taking off and as slippery as...I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. It has different driving modes well suited for normal conditions, wet conditions, racetracks, and top speed, depending on where the car is driving at.
I had enough explanations about the new Ford GT but if I had, it's a very challenging feast for the brave and the tough because hitting at max speeds, the Ford GT is much risky to handle and the turning radius is surprisingly harsh unless drivers need to get this one right or else they're going to be in a massive pileup of worries ahead. It maybe a hypercar made to take on the Europeans but being American, they are very challenging to handle due to its dynamic traits too tricky to handle even on the straights. Speaking of which,
You may remember a few moments back in FM6 that I made this special design made in honor of THE IDOLM@STER's 10th anniversary in 2015 and with such stuff truly have in common, I decided to bring this design back to this car not for sentimental's sake but for the fun of it. As always, some major improvements need to be make before ready for today's shooting and because everything's all booked up for the day, some studio executive landed me to an unfittable location somewhere in Yarra Valley. A place that it's definitely no place for exotics like this and I'm talking about something offroad and it's getting to cramp my style, especially for a Ford GT that has gained a lot of power from engine swapping and for a car rounded up to Veyron levels, it's going to be very suicidal to drive even in unforgiving conditions like this.
With no choice, I had to do it even if it gets me home sooner...
Too much script rewrites than a Titanic movie with pirates on it and a shark but on the bottom line, I'm alive and kicking but man, I really wish I shouldn't try this suicidal setup on this Ford GT. He he he...
FM6 players who recently got a special code this week got themselves the chance to try out Ford's comeback to this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans and yes, the Ford GT Le Mans racecar, which is based on the all-new 2017 Ford GT, the cover car of Forza Motorsport 6, is now at the hands of gamers in preparation for this year's Le Mans.
Before taking this car for a spin, time for a quick explanation, shall we?
Five decades have passed since the legendary Ford GT40 dominated Le Mans and with the launch of the all-new 2017 Ford GT, Ford announced that they will return to endurance racing with this.
For 2016, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing used two Ford GT racecars at the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship while the other two competed at the FIA World Endurance Championship. Now, all four Ford GT machines will be competing at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Ford GT Le Mans racecar feature numerous innovations Ford believes will noy only make it competitive in the LM GTE Pro class but also provide benefets to each vehicle in the Ford range such as state-of-the-art aerodynamics, advanced lightweight composites, and the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that powers it.
It's been an honor to have Ford back to the world of endurance racing with the all-new Ford GT and judging by the way it behaves, the Ford GT Le Mans racecar is not a bad car to drive on the track. So, how does it compare to the normal 2017 Ford GT? For starters, the EcoBoost V6 engine produces a hundred less horsepower than the normal one but because of its racing modifications done to this car, its generous handling compensates its lack of power from the original, making it a a well-balanced racing machine for all levels of racing.
Be it less, more, or maximum, whatever level you're on, you are more than welcome to drive Ford's comeback machine in the world of endurance racing, no matter the results. Although this is still the new Ford GT you've been eager to have one since its inception, the Ford GT Le Mans racecar is for those who demand the ultimate performance in this new age supercar while savoring Ford's legendary motorsports pedigree.
I was been honored to try out this Ford GT Le Mans racecar through the Le Mans Circuit de la Sarthe in a special Rivals event made specifically for this car. Hey, since Le Mans draws near, the opportunity to try out this machine before the real deal kicks in really gives us the taste of what Ford's Le Mans return is in store. I can't hardly wait to see what is like...
It's amazing that despite being less powerful than the normal Ford GT, its racing modifications made extensively for endurance racing shows that it's not as challenging as it looks and I have high hopes that this car can edge out against the likes of Ferrari and Chevrolet, as long as these cars shouldn't encounter problems the drivers face as the race gets harder and harder, I believe.
Well, let's wish Ford's return to Le Mans the best of luck because with its ancestor's legendary win five decades ago, this car deserves to craft one in the history books.
When the ultra-powerful Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat emerged from the shadows, most car enthusiasts went insane over its wide reputation of being the most powerful V8 car in the world and because it's so powerful, they want to take the SRT Hellcat against a wide range of supercars. Whether you bring it a Lambo or a Bimmer or a Merc, or whatever you got, this 707HP beast will always eat it like an eat-all-you-can buffet.
With the Challenger Hellcat in the Forza Motorsport 6 roster, it's the perfect time to find out what makes the Hellcat the Hellcat every driver went nuts about.
In a bold surprise move for Chrysler Group LLC's Dodge brand, they've unveiled the flagship version of the facelifted Challenger muscle car called the Challenger SRT Hellcat.
Since its introduction, this ultimate Challenger is powered by the newly-developed and supercharged Hellcat 6.2L HEMI V8 engine. It's the most powerful engine ever made by the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Dodge claims it can produce over six hundred horsepower but it's been verified to produce 707HP, the most powerful V8 engine ever made in a production car.
The secret of unleashing its highest power output is via a red key fob because the Challenger SRT Hellcat comes with two key fobs. There's a black key fob that restricts the Hellcat's engine power output of just 500HP but with the red key fob engaged, all of the power output from its supercharged V8 engine is released. To survive the monstrous power output, a specially-made 8-speed automatic gearbox is developed to handle the extra power and torque.
Thanks to its powerful engine, the SRT Hellcat is capable of reaching 0-60mph in less than four seconds and onwards to 199mph.
This car is all about straight-line performance unlike any other. When racing in the straight line against any other production car in almost any other class, the Dodge Challenger Hellcat will simply get away from them and because of all that power implied in its supercharged V8 engine, those European sportscars will think twice about how are they going to make a car as powerful as the Hellcats. Truth be told, the Europeans already retreating, even BMW.
What about handling? Well, even with all that power, some drivers might find the Hellcat to be extremely tricky to handle in the same way someone's taking on his favorite idol girl song in an expert difficulty setting. Generally speaking, you need a lot of practice to find the perfect way to handle the Hellcat like a pro but because it's heavier than any other European sports cars, it doesn't feel as sophisticated as its opposition.
The better way to exploit the Hellcat's biggest weakness is to compare it against one of America's powerful machines made for the next generation of drivers and I know what they are...
As you can see, I have been joined by the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and the all-new Ford GT and with these powerful American machines on hand, they're here to demonstrate just how 707HP worthy the Hellcat is. And because the SRT Hellcat has been too much for me since car lovers love to push this car to the limit, it's the perfect time for the Hellcat to don the chicken hat I made up...
If by chicken hat, I mean, of course, my handcrafted design inspired by THE IDOLM@STER's Hibiki Ganaha in her 10th live outfit. Although my half-decent creativity looks more appealing to the average producer who attended the 10th live last summer, this could be the ideal chicken hat for the Challenger Hellcat because...I don't know what the outcome is when I send it to Laguna Seca and pit it against the best of Ford and Chevy.
After one lap around Laguna Seca, the results are in. The Ford GT did it in 1:43.265 while the Corvette Z06 did it in 1:45.078. So, care to guess how good the Challenger Hellcat did? Well, you're wrong because it did it in a rather humiliating 1:52.058, meaning I have successfully exploited its main weakness and it involves track capabilities.
Of course, the Challenger Hellcat is one heck of a machine slipping past luxury cars on the straights but when it comes to driving in the tracks where it has so many corners involved, well, the weakness is on it. So, why would Dodge ever make a car that has more power than any other supercar but doesn't handle as well as a supercar? Is this the main reason why the Dodge Viper faced its imminent death in the foreseeable future and want the Hellcat to be the perfect Viper successor on the road and on the track? Well, I'm not much of a Mopar man here but to be honest, there's so much stuff to learn for the Challenger Hellcat.
I think this is the perfect time to get to know about the cover car of Forza Motorsport 6, the all-new, 2017 Ford GT, a second take of a modern equivalent of the legendary Ford GT40 racing machine that reign Le Mans in the 60's.
But first, before explaining what's all about the new Ford GT, there is a history lesson about the genesis of the GT40. You see, when Ford decided to buy Italian sports car maker Ferrari in the 60's, Ferrari rejected the offer and with Ford became very angry, the folks decided to hit Ferrari where it badly hurts, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. That's where the GT40 was born, with chassis derived from Lola, V8 improved by the legendary Carroll Shelby, and impressive performance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 60's, no wonder this American racing legend gave Ferrari a heavy blow in the field of motorsports.
In 2005, the legendary GT40 racing machine was resurrected as the Ford GT, this time as a bonafide supercar packed with classic looks and modern technology all in one piece. It has a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine that can go 0 to 60 in under three seconds and top speed of 212 mph (341 km/h). It comes with a Ricardo six-speed manual transmission featuring a helical limited-slip differential.
It's been ten long years since Ford revived the GT40 in the form of the Ford GT supercar targeted against the best European supercars on the market and with the newest incarnation of the legendary Ford GT supercar, this may have done much that. This new Ford GT became the pinnacle of Ford Performance vehicles when it was unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, drawing much attention from the crowd. Because the motoring industry ushered in the age of miniaturization of their engines, the new Ford GT never escaped its trend of downsizing so instead of the old Ford GT's supercharged 5.4L V8 engine, it comes with the race-inspired EcoBoost 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine which produces over 600 horsepower of power while mated with a 7-speed automatic gearbox.
The new GT's bodywork is all carbon-fiber and hand-laid from a certain supplier, although the in-house low-cost carbon-fiber development program is provided by Dow Chemical but they're little to do with it. Because of its carbon-fiber bodywork, Ford expects the new GT to have the best power-to-weight ratio, not in class, but of any car on the market. Although Ford hasn't provided the weight of the new GT, the predicted kerb weight of 2,890lbs is proof that this car is very light and because of its predicted 630HP from its 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine the hp to lbs curb weight ratio is expected to be...0.22:1...well, at theory at least.
Aerodynamics play a key role on the new GT. First, the active rear spoiler can both rise vertically and lift while its horizontal surface angling upward to gain more downforce and drag if necessary. Then, its active suspension can be risen or lowered at the touch of a button. That proves to be useful on corners or facing against nightmarish speed humps. And then, the way it manages the air. Those flying buttresses linking the roof to each rear fender are curved in section, creating downforce and directing air flowing around the car to the rear wing. It also works as intake tubes because each hollow panel houses piping that flow from an air-to-air intercooler ahead of each rear wheel. Intake air is scooped up, compressed in each turbocharger, and fired through the intercoolers before getting through the winglets and down into the engines. After passing through the intercoolers, the heated air slips through each rear well to the rear, where it escapes through the center of the...and we're not kidding here...rear taillamps. Very unique aerodynamics, I dare say?
Although the 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo is proven to be more powerful than the old GT's V8 produces, Ford says that 0-60 times and top speeds aren't their priority one. Instead, priority one goes to lapping fast times on track days and it promises to be better at dynamics rather than acceleration.
To prove that this new GT is all about business on the track, let's use the Top Gear Test Track as the base of experimentation and let's compare the old GT and the new GT on a one-lap time attack round the track.
So, the old Ford GT managed to lap round the Top Gear Track in 1:21.954 while the new Ford GT did it in...and I'm very amazed by this one, 1:17.071. That's about four seconds quicker than the old one after I conducted these tests.
It's been an honor to try out Ford's upcoming GT supercar before it reaches dealerships next year in a very limited availability and I am very happy to be part of the Forza Motorsport 6 experience because what would FM6 be without the new GT? Of course, this is the game's cover car after all so it's best to treat it with the respect this modern-day legend truly deserves.
OUTTAKES:
To mark this occasion, I have created a little party piece on FM6. It's a 2017 Ford GT featuring the 765PRO ALL-STARS from The IDOLM@STER franchise. Yes. I said it too much but both of the games have celebrated their 10th anniversary earlier so what no better time than to handcraft a special Ford GT design for the idol girl-loving petrolheads.
Normally, I shouldn't include Miki Hoshii, Yayoi Takatsuki, and Ritsuko Akizuki because...well, they didn't show up on the big IM@S 10th anniversary concert last summer but as the saying goes "So long as there's mercy. Always mercy", I decided to put them anyway. It would be a shame put these three excluded idol girls into waste. As an added bonus, I decided to put the assistant Kotori into my handcrafted design as well. You'll thank me.
Whether if its the legendary Ford GT40 Mk.II that ruled Le Mans in the 1960's or the sensation of 2005, which is the Ford GT, that tries to modernize its superior predecessor, these are the best Fords I have ever driven in Forza Horizon. Sure, they maybe gone a few years ago but their sensations never been forgotten. I can't believe that in the past, Ford made their own Le Mans contender in the 60's to kick Enzo Ferrari's butt and then in the 21st Century, they made a modern take of the GT40 that bring Ford to the world of performance benchmark, gaining the slogan "Built for the Road Ahead" at that time.
I think they looked so fantastic to drive such legends and I think it's even more fabulous to drive this...
A topless Ford GT?!
This is one of the cars you can find on Forza Horizon's December IGN Car Pack. It's the never-before seen Ford GTX1, a roadster version of the Ford GT as seen on the 2005 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Sure it may have the same engine from the hardtop Ford GT but with no roof, this is no ordinary open-top Ford by the looks of it, this is just hotter than a hickory smoke sausage! Woo-hoo!
Ford said that the GTX1 blends Ford design and engineering innovation, one engineer’s personal creativity and commitment, and the quickness and capability of the aftermarket. I kinda understand that but this is even more than that. This is love at a completely new level every time I set foot to the GTX1. The perfect backdrop in Horizon is just a perfect chemistry to show how the GTX1 was made to do and would you look at that, getting lost in Colorado with this kind of car, now what a charm for me.
Produced as a limited edition model, the Ford GT is their first bonafide supercar and a modern take to the legendary Ford GT40 race car from the 60's. First appeared as a concept car in 2002, Camilo Pardo, the head of Ford's "Living Legends" studio, is credited as the chief designer of the GT and worked under the guidance of J Mays. Carroll Shelby was brought in by Ford to help develop the Ford GT; which included performance testing of the prototype car. While the project was still secret, it was called Petunia.
It was powered by a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine that can go 0 to 60 in under three seconds and top speed of 212 mph (341 km/h). It comes with a Ricardo six-speed manual transmission featuring a helical limited-slip differential.
In Series 3 opener of Top Gear, Jeremy Clarkson drove a pre-production Ford GT concept in America. Then in Series 4 Episode 8 of Top Gear, Clarkson drove the production model of the Ford GT and when handed to The Stig, it set a lap time of 1.21.9 at the Top Gear Test Track. Later on, Jeremy Clarkson drove the Ford GT on the Supercars Do France episode of Top Gear while Richard Hammond's on the Pagani Zonda and James May's on the Ferrari F430.
Fun fact that Jeremy Clarkson was one of the notable owners of the Ford GT but however his Ford GT seems to be broken and failed to start. Also for a bad news, his Ford GT won Top Gear's Gas Guzzler of the Year award in 2005, thirstier than a burning tanker!
