The Ford GT90 supercar, boasting a 5.9-liter quad-turbocharged V12 with 720 hp, was designed to rival European supercars.
Designed with innovative materials like carbon fiber, the GT90 was never produced, yet its specs and legacy continue to intrigue enthusiasts.
Power and Performance of the Ford GT90
The Ford GT90 is remembered for performance levels that set it apart from many cars of its time.
- Engine: With a quad-turbocharged V12 engine displacing 5.9 liters, it produced an astonishing 720 horsepower.
- Acceleration: The GT90 boasted a remarkable 0-60 mph time of just 3.1 seconds.
- Top Speed: Its claimed top speed was an eye-popping 253 mph, positioning it as a contender among elite supercars.
Despite its jaw-dropping specifications, the GT90 remained a concept car, encapsulating what could have been a turning point in American automotive history. Had it gone into production, it may have reshaped the supercar landscape.
The Design That Caught Eyes
Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 1995, the GT90 was a visual masterpiece. Its design was distinctive, representing Ford's shift towards a more modern look with the introduction of the “New Edge” design language. Readers may notice:
- Materials: Its body featured an aluminum monocoque structure and lightweight carbon fiber body panels, exemplifying Ford's advanced engineering efforts at that time.
- Form Factor: Bold lines and unique proportions made the GT90 a standout, almost futuristic in its concept. Enthusiasts often liken its appearance to vehicles found in sci-fi narratives.
Under The Hood: Innovations In Power
The V12 engine was groundbreaking, representing Ford's first new design of such a type since 1948. The development of this engine was notable because:
- Turbocharged Power: The GT90 was one of the few vehicles in its category to utilize a quad-turbocharged setup, making it incredibly powerful for the era.
- Derived Engineering: Drawing from the modular V8 framework, engineers crafted an extended design to provide exceptional performance metrics.
- Engineering Testbed: Prior to its installation in the GT90, this engine underwent rigorous testing using a modified Lincoln Town Car to refine performance characteristics.
Challenges and Limitations
Although the performance specs were formidable, the GT90's journey wasn't without challenges. Unfortunately:
- Media demonstrations never revealed the car's full power; engineers modified the wastegates to limit performance due to concerns regarding the chassis's capability to handle such output.
- Thus, the true potential of the Ford GT90 remains, to this day, somewhat of a mystery.
The Legacy and Whereabouts of the GT90
The Ford GT90 remains a beacon of what American engineering could achieve in the supercar realm. Currently, it resides at the Hajek Motorsports Museum in Ames, Oklahoma, under the care of Brent Hajek. Its preservation allows enthusiasts to appreciate a piece of automotive history that could have redefined American supercars.
How Could the GT90 Have Changed The Game?
The potential aftereffects of the GT90 in the supercar segment are often debated among enthusiasts. If it had reached production:
- Fastest Production Car: At its claimed top speed of 253 mph, the GT90 could have held the title of the fastest production car for years, outpacing notable rivals.
- Performance Benchmark: With its groundbreaking technology, it might have set new performance standards for the American automotive industry, challenging brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini for supremacy.
Ford's Other Forgotten Supercar Concepts
The Ford GT90 isn’t alone as an ambitious supercar that Ford explored in the ‘90s. Other notable concepts include:
1. Ford Indigo: Powered by a V12 derived from the Duratec V6; this model featured an open-wheel design reminiscent of IndyCars. Its adventurous design and construction materials showed Ford's daring concept aspirations.
2. Shelby GR-1: Developed in the late ’90s and inspired by the Shelby Daytona Coupe, it was set to feature a new V10 engine. Though it never entered production, there's renewed interest in the GR-1 as Superperformance plans to introduce a production version powered by a “750+ horsepower Ford drivetrain.”
Each of these projects reflects Ford's ambition to stand among giants in the supercar market. The Shelby GR-1 production is especially significant as it indicates a revival of American supercar dreams.
In the World of American Supercars
As automotive enthusiasts reflect on the realm of high-performance vehicles, it's crucial to acknowledge the contributions and aspirations of American manufacturers. Some of the best American supercars have emerged over the years, including the Saleen S7 and the SSC Tuatara; however, the legacy of the GT90 alongside other notable vehicles remains a poignant reminder of what could have been. Ford's attempt to carve its niche in supercars, despite not always hitting the production line, showcases its innovative spirit and engineering variety.
Robust performance specifications, like those of the Ford GT90 supercar, continue to capture the imagination of car lovers around the world, reminding them of an era when American ingenuity aimed for heights typically reserved for Italian and German counterparts. The dream of a Ford supercar that could challenge the world's best is still alive, and with concepts like the Shelby GR-1 on the horizon, that dream might yet be realized!