Car parts Ford GT 2017-2019

 

The high-performance Ford GT sensors provide real-time information on factors from the position of the pedals, steering wheel, and deployed rear wing, to air humidity and sunlight levels.

 

Data is generated at a speed of 100 GB - equivalent to approximately 25,000 song downloads - per hour and is processed by over 25 onboard computing systems comprising 10 million lines of software code - more than a Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter jet.*

 

Between them, the systems can analyze 300 MB of data - comparable to downloading a one-hour TV show - every second.

 

“The sophisticated computing systems of the Ford GT work together with the core architecture of race cars to enhance performance and also offer greater versatility and flexibility,” said Dave Pericak, global director of Ford Performance. “By constantly monitoring inputs, vehicle loads, and the environment and adjusting the vehicles profile and responses to match, the Ford GT remains as responsive and stable at 300 km/h or 30 km/h.”

 

Many of the Ford GTs sensor and computing systems allow the supercars engine performance, electronic stability control, F1-derived active suspension damping, and active aerodynamics to be continuously adjusted within the parameters of selectable drive modes, for optimal performance in any driving scenario.

 

Others help provide comfort and convenience, whether on the road or track, including Fords SYNC 3 communication technology and automatic climate control.

 

Other innovative solutions to provide a race car experience and a top speed of 347 km/h (216 mph) for Ford GT drivers include the fixed seat position. The drivers seat is secured in a location that allowed Ford Performance engineers to develop a carbon fiber body with the smallest possible frontal area for optimized aerodynamic performance.

 

Instead of moving the seat back and forth, drivers adjust the position of the pedal assembly and steering wheel with multi-control to fit the seat location.

 

However, despite the focus on providing a race car experience for just 1000 customers over four years of confirmed production, the Ford GT also offers the creature comforts known from Ford family cars.

 

Retractable cup holders are among the convenience features that distinguish the Ford GT car from the race car. Made from aluminum for reduced weight, the cup holders are hidden in the center console. A hidden storage bin is located under the drivers seat, with additional storage pockets behind the seats.

 

The Ford GT even has Fords capless fuel filler system, which is standard on models across the Ford range. The system is designed to facilitate refueling and prevent misfueling of the 647 horsepower ** 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine.

 

“We developed the Ford GT car and race car side by side, and that led to creative engineering, such as the fully integrated roll cage of the road car, which also meets FIA racing safety requirements using only a small number of additional components,” said Pericak. “From turbochargers to cup holders, every component of the Ford GT was developed with the driving experience at its core.”

 

In creating the new high-performance Ford GT, the pioneers behind the supercar designed it not only to win races but also to serve as a test bed for new technologies and ideas for future vehicles in the Ford range.

 

“When we started working on the new Ford GT in 2013, the team had three objectives,” said Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president for Product Development and chief technical officer. “The first was to use it as a training ground for our engineers as we develop future engine technology and stretch our understanding of aerodynamics. Then, to push the limits of advanced material usage, such as lightweight carbon fiber. Finally, we aimed to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans, referred to by many as the ultimate test of endurance and efficiency.”

 

At the same time, the team developing the GT, Ford combined several of its performance teams - Ford SVT, Team RS, Ford Racing, performance vehicle parts, and merchandise licensing - into a single group called Ford Performance.

 

“Without this type of integrated team and combined organization, it would have been impossible to deliver the new Ford GT in its current form,” said Dave Pericak, global director of Ford Performance. “This type of collaboration was essential not only to bring the Ford GT back to life but also to experience the type of innovations needed to create the ultimate supercar.”

 

GT has proven its power to inspire. The 2005 Ford GT, for example, featured a lightweight aluminum alloy body that helped reduce weight to improve performance.

 

The lessons learned from its production led to the innovative use of high-strength aluminum alloy in todays Ford F-Series trucks - shedding hundreds of pounds of weight while improving capability, performance, and fuel efficiency.

 

Introducing dynamics into aerodynamics

While the GT looks fast standing still, the team optimized every shape to make it as aerodynamic as possible.

 

An essential goal was to reduce drag and optimize downforce - which helps give the supercar grip on the track while accelerating, cornering, and braking.

 

GTs aerodynamics change on demand to meet varied driving conditions, thanks to movable elements around the body, including special ducts at the front and a wide deployable wing. The flaps open and close depending on the GTs wings being up or down, so the car remains aerodynamically balanced from front to back, at any speed. When the wing is up, the ducts are nearly closed to increase downforce; when the wing is down, the ducts open to decrease downforce.

 

Lightweighting

Carbon fiber is a key and important element that helps GT save both weight and sleek body shapes in ways that are not possible with steel or aluminum.

 

In collaboration with partners, including Multimatic and DowAksa, Ford is developing new ways to enable faster and high-volume future production of carbon fiber parts.

 

For example, the GTs iconic flying buttresses, which extend from the roof to the rear fenders, would not be possible in steel or aluminum due to the limitations of conventional metal stamping. However, carbon fiber can be molded into complex geometric shapes because it is cut to a specific shape like a cloth and hardened by curing at high temperatures.

 

Powering the GT engine - and more

The Ford GTs 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine is the companys most powerful EcoBoost, delivering 647 horsepower.* It was developed alongside the GT Race engine and the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine used in the high-performance off-road F-150 Raptor pickup, which shares nearly 60% of its parts with the GT engine.

 

During races, the test engines crankshaft in the Daytona prototype was failing under harsh conditions. With little time to prepare for that years Sebring endurance race, the team made a key decision to replace the Daytona prototypes race crankshaft with an F-150 Raptor crankshaft. The Daytona prototype won its first race at Sebring that year.

 

“We pushed the engines limits beyond what we could consider in traditional development programs, which is important as we continue to advance EcoBoost technology as a core element of the companys global lineup,” said Bob Fascetti, Ford vice president, engine engineering.

 

The team also created innovative turbo anti-lag technology that can help maximize the GTs ability to exit corners. This technology works by keeping the throttle open when the driver is not pressing the accelerator pedal. The fuel injectors are turned off, but turbo speed and boost are maintained for faster engine response and acceleration as soon as the driver hits the accelerator pedal.

 

Technology for all

GTs role as a technology test bed is evident throughout the car, with some innovations, such as carbon fiber lightweighting, offering long-term possibilities, while others will soon reach showrooms.

 

Additionally, the companys push towards Custom Drive Modes that help customers tailor a vehicles performance to specific conditions is rapidly expanding. The Ford GTs Track Mode, also offered in the award-winning Ford Focus RS and to be featured next year for the first time in the new Fiesta ST, helps enthusiasts maximize racing performance.

 

As new Ford GTs continue to hit the roads of owners, other Ford customers can expect to find a bit of the supercar in their future vehicle.