Surging demand for GT supercar sees Ford extend production

Ford to produce another 350 examples of the GT as demand outstrips supply six-to-one.

19 Oct 2018 | 4255 Views | By Autocar Pro News Desk

Ford Motor Company is increasing Ford GT production to 1,350 vehicles after 6,506 applicants raced to sign up for the original 1,000 cars allotted in 2016 – even before the car recaptured LeMans glory later that year.

“The response to our Ford GT has been unprecedented, with initial demand outstripping supply by more than six-to-one,” said Hermann Salenbauch, Ford Performance director. “By extending the Ford GT production run for a limited period, we’re able to maintain the exclusivity of the ultra-desirable supercar while offering the ownership experience to a greater number of customers.”

Ford is re-opening the application window to customers hoping to join the exclusive group of Ford GT owners starting November 8 for select global markets. Prospective owners will be able to submit their applications for 30 days at FordGT.com.

Ford says successful applicants will work with the Ford GT Concierge Service for a personalised purchase experience of cars produced in the 2020 to 2022 calendar years.

Production of the Ford GT – powered by a twin-turbocharged, 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine and featuring a carbon fibre architecture, active aerodynamics and 216mph / 345kph top speed – began in December 2016, almost two years after the initial pre-production car was revealed in Detroit.

The GT is being built at Canadian race engineering company Multimatic's Ontario plant, which will produce up to 250 models for the global market per year, with total production previously capped at 1,000 models. 

 

Ford picks buyers based on responses to a questionnaire, with a preference given to prospective buyers who will drive the car regularly, rather than collectors who may not take it out on to the road.

The new car ditches its predecessor's V8 engine in favour of a twin-turbo 3.5-litre Ecoboost V6. Ford claims a power output of 647bhp. It was priced at £420,000 (Rs 2.65 crore) the first time orders were open in 2017.

 

Also read: Does the Ford GT deserve the hype?

 

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