Behind the Design of Ford's Amazing GT Supercar

[dbk]

http://www.maxim.com/rides/ford-gt-supercar-design-2016-3

Ford design director Chris Svensson gets a gleam in his eye when talking about his prized 1964 Mustang 2+2 fastback. It’s been retrofitted to better than-new condition, with some tweaks for added power, but its mission remains comfortable cruising.

Though he is from England, Svensson has a great appreciation for Ford’s heritage and will happily discuss how that ’64 Mustang evolved into the 1965 Mustang GT and the Shelby GT350. As head of the design team for the new Ford GT supercar, he could easily have become mired in the history of the original Ford GT40 and the 2005–06 Ford GT tribute car.

Dave Pericak, Ford’s performance director, has been emphatic that the new GT’s purpose is to race to win this summer’s Le Mans 24 Hours for the 50th anniversary of Ford’s resounding 1-2-3 victory over Ferrari in 1966. Because of that, the GT’s styling was developed in a wind tunnel, with ontrack performance paramount over appearance.

continued...

http://www.maxim.com/rides/ford-gt-supercar-design-2016-3

 

[jasonjsipos]

Very cool to hear about the thought process directly from those responsible for the design.

 

[RALPHIE]

Ford design director Chris Svensson gets a gleam in his eye when talking about his prized 1964 Mustang 2+2 fastback....

Who writes this stuff? Ford never made a 1964 Mustang 2+2. The fastback body style was not introduced until 1965.

 

[dbk]

It's a typo. Chris's car is a 65.

 

[Awsum GT]

another great read! The tension is mounting... Funny how it says the GT’s styling was developed in a wind tunnel, with ontrack performance paramount over appearance.

Boy if the performance is paramount over appearance... the performance has got to be totally AWSUM!

 

[Vince H]

The new GT has captured the imagination and hearts of the entire auto world. So good for Ford.

Vince H

 

[STORMCAT]

opopopop

 

[Roadtrip]

Article says "The 2005–06 Ford GT “perhaps over-delivered” on the nostalgia"...

I don't really agree with that statement. Otherwise, well written and interesting.

 

[TO AWSUM]

Article says "The 2005–06 Ford GT “perhaps over-delivered” on the nostalgia"...

I don't really agree with that statement. Otherwise, well written and interesting.

I agree with you, it was not over-delivered on nostalgia. It is perfect.

 

[Waxer]

What does that even mean "over delivered on nostalgia" ? Ridiculous

 

[Kingman]

Article says "The 2005–06 Ford GT “perhaps over-delivered” on the nostalgia"...

I don't really agree with that statement. Otherwise, well written and interesting.

Add me to the list. I hate crap like that. That statement was un-called for.

....and I 'understand what it means'.

 

[ChipBeck]

Here's what it means.

What does that even mean "over delivered on nostalgia" ? Ridiculous

Gentlemen,

It means that on the 2005/6 GT's some performance parameters were sacrificed upon the alter of duplicating the beautiful original GT40 shape. Two examples....1. The radiator opening is two small to flow enough air to cool the car on the track BUT....it looks bitchin'. 2. The original shape produces lift, not down force at speed. Ford dealt with this by incorporating a front splitter, rear diffuser, belly pans, and other measures. But the body itself, although strikingly beautiful, is an aerodynamic handicap.

The new GT was developed to optimize performance every step of the way even if styling is compromised. The huge and not so artistically beautiful radiator opening of the new GT is evidence of this. Form follows function on the new GT. Form followed tradition on our GT's. All the best.

Chip

 

[BlackICE]

Does anyone one know the CD of the new FGT?

 

[DoctorV8]

"From the outside, it doesn’t look noticeably different from other cars or earlier Ford GTs."

Another typo? Or is the author visually impaired?

 

[texas mongrel]

"From the outside, it doesn’t look noticeably different from other cars or earlier Ford GTs."

Another typo? Or is the author visually impaired?

Sanjay, you beat me to it! WTF?

 

[SBR]

As great as the new GT is, I question whether the styling will be timeless like the original GT 40 and the 05/06 models. I will still want one though

 

[Awsum GT]

other than the open channel from the front to the rear it actually has a similar shape when you look at a side shot.

 

[MTV8]

"From the outside, it doesn’t look noticeably different from other cars or earlier Ford GTs."

Another typo? Or is the author visually impaired?

I believe that comment is specifically referring to the cabin space.

 

[Awsum GT]

Well, that's not the way I read it... Whatever...