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In 2002, at the North American Auto Show, Ford unveiled the Ford GT40 Concept, a modern-day interpretation of Ford's legendary endurance racer. This release was met with excitement, particularly as Ford announced plans to put the GT40 into production, signaling a revival of the iconic model.
The GT40 Concept was a tribute to the original vehicle that captured the hearts of car enthusiasts in the 1960s. Despite its modern updates, Ford emphasized that the GT40 remained a no-frills machine focused solely on delivering pure, refined performance. Jay Mays, Ford's vice president of Design, highlighted this commitment to performance over luxury features.
The design of the GT40 Concept paid homage to its predecessor while incorporating contemporary elements. Every dimension, curve, and line of the car was a unique reinterpretation of the original GT40 silhouette. While reminiscent of 1960s-era racecars, the GT40 Concept featured fiber-optic headlamps and subtle accent lines for a contemporary aesthetic.
Underpinning the GT40 Concept was an all-new aluminum space frame developed by Ford's Special Vehicle Team Engineering (SVT). This space frame provided a rigid foundation for the engine and driveline, allowing for the use of composite body panels. The concept's suspension, fabricated from scratch, featured unequal-length control arms and a push-rod/bell-crank system for optimal performance.
Powering the GT40 Concept was a MOD 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 500 horsepower and 500 foot-pounds of torque. This all-aluminum engine featured high-flow, four-valve cylinder heads and a modified Roots-type supercharger for impressive performance. The engine was paired with a special transaxle sourced from RBT, offering a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with an integral limited-slip differential.
Inside, the GT40 Concept offered a left-hand-drive two-seater layout with leather-wrapped custom Recaro bucket seats. The interior design echoed the original car's layout, with straightforward analog gauges and modern versions of toggle switches. Notably, the seats featured aluminum grommets for improved ventilation, and the adjustable seat controls were positioned for easy access.
Overall, the Ford GT40 Concept represented a modern interpretation of a classic racer, blending heritage design cues with cutting-edge technology and performance. Ford's SVT Engineering played a crucial role in ensuring that the concept remained true to its performance heritage while also being feasible for production. With its sleek design and impressive specifications, the GT40 Concept heralded the return of a legendary nameplate in the automotive world.
Source & Images: Ford
