Since the GT’s debut in 2016, we’ve seen there have been several Ford GT track-day specials. The 2019 Ford GT Mk II received its designation in homage to the 1966 Le Mans champion vehicle. It ruled the track, setting records and whipping other track beasts like the Porsche 918 Spyder. After years of giving us staggering performance figures and achieving multiple race victories, the brand is finally bidding the GT one last farewell. But, the American super car isn’t leaving without a fight, because there’s a new sheriff in town.
ford has recently unveiled another limited-edition model based on the GT supercar, but this one stands out because it’s a monster designed just for the racetrack and comes powered by a brand-new engine with “more than 800 horsepower.” Created by Ford Performance and Multimatic, the 2023 Ford GT Mk IV features a unique long-tail body, a race-ready powertrain, and new suspensions.
Paying homage to the GT’s 1967 Le Mans-winning race vehicle, Ford limited the GT’s last production run to just 67 units. For the model, Ford eliminated the adjustable ride height mechanism and modified the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 for higher power output.
According to Multimatic executive vice president Larry Holt, this final edition has “a unique greater displacement engine, correct racing gearbox, longer wheelbase, and extremely unconventional body,” Succeeding the GT LM Edition, which made its debut in early October as the final version of the road-legal supercar, the Mk IV pushes the envelope with an updated aesthetic and extra horses.
Here are some of our favorite aspects of the Ford GT Mk IV and why we believe it will go down in history.
The 2023 Ford GT Mk IV Packs A New Higher-Displacement V6 Powerplant
The engineers at Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations Group, the brand that makes the automobiles for Ford, are cooking up a new, special version of the 3.5L twin-turbo V6 powerplant that will propel the GT.
To start, it won’t be 3.5 liters. According to Multimatic, it will have greater displacement and was initially designed to produce more than 800 horsepower. This is at least 140 horsepower more than the road vehicle and 100 horsepower more than the previous track special, which gets us excited.
Additionally, Ford Performance and Multimatic also threw in a new transmission system, which is, in the words of Larry Holt, a “proper racing box”. We expect some significant suspension adjustments as well. The vehicle will come with the Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve suspension system, which is a significant improvement over the normal GT’s Multimatic spool valve dampers, which are already very capable as well.
At the time of writing, Ford is still keeping the specifics under wraps, which may explain why there aren’t many details. Instead of providing the spring rates, downforce figures, and other information we’re eager for, the presentation here focuses more on notions and potential. Still, the more we learn about its advanced features, the more we can’t wait to try it out.
The Mk IV Stretches The Ford GT
Ford redesigned the GT from the ground up for the Mk IV, going well beyond any prior model. The wheelbase of the Ford GT Mk IV is significantly longer than that of a typical vehicle, making it more high-speed stable on the circuit with the added space between the wheels.
Also, according to the brand, the car will have better on-track handling. Ford has also thrown in more extended bodywork on top of the longer chassis, which, along with stretching the tail, is a tried-and-true method that’s set to increase top speed and improve aerodynamic stability. The McLaren F1 and many other successful racers, including the original 1967 Mk IV, have the same extended tail as the Mk IV, so that says a lot.
Along with the broader body that exudes intense aero, especially the enormous wing and diffuser at the back, you’ll notice the side mirrors’ absence and the headlamps’ simplification. Other features include front canards, a massive splitter that could also serve as a snow plow, and a roof scoop made of carbon fiber. Because it has an upgraded engine, it is likely that the side air intakes are larger.
The 2023 Ford GT Mk IV Is An Exclusive Supercar
The Ford GT has traditionally sold in relatively small numbers, and the automaker makes customers go through a lot of hoops before they can get one. Don’t expect it to be any different with this Mk IV special edition. As we mentioned earlier, Ford will make 67 units of the Mk IV. The price of the vehicles will begin at $1.7 million, which is nearly $500,000 more than the Mk II. Though an authentic 1967 automobile sells at auction for about $3.5 million, it might be a good deal.
Once more, Ford enthusiasts have to apply for a chance to own this amazing automobile due to its limited quantity. New application processes will soon be available, but they’ll likely finish very quickly.
Deliveries will begin in late spring once confirmation of the 67 hand-selected clients comes to light in the first quarter of the following year. As that procedure progresses, expect additional information regarding the vehicle’s specs. We’ll keep you updated.
Source: Ford
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