Detroit (Feb. 19, 2002)-Happy Birthday to us!
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The GT40 concept car keeps the proportions of the original racer. |
To help celebrate the company's 100th anniversary in 2003, Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford announced today that Ford will put into production the GT40 concept car that was unveiled only six weeks ago. Similar to the reborn Thunderbird, this car is a modern version of the two-seat racer Ford entered in endurance races in the late 1960s-and which proceeded to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans (and other events) four years in a row from the then dominant Ferraris .
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Ford's largest modular engine, a 5.4-liter V8, powers the concept GT40. |
While four inches taller than the 40-inch-high racer (hence the name), the concept keeps the original's proportions-long considered by enthusiasts as one of the best and most beautiful cars ever to take to a track. Exact production vehicle specifications, performance, and price have yet to be announced-but the concept car uses a new all-aluminum space-frame chassis and is powered by a mid-mounted 5.4-liter V8 with four-valve aluminum heads. This engine produces 500 hp (at 5,250 rpm) and 500 foot-lbs of torque (at 3,250 rpm)-monster numbers comparable to the 7-liter engine that won in the Le Mans race in 1966 and 1967.
Bill Ford said the car will breathe new excitement into the Ford brand. "Our revitalization plan is centered on products. I can't think of a better symbol of that winning attitude than the GT40," he added.
Now if they'll only be sure and make an affordable version for us posers.