The 2017 Ford GT has won the Gene Ritvo Award, which honors the best in design in the automotive world.

• The 2017 Ford GT has won the Gene Ritvo Award, which honors the best in design in the automotive world. The honor is awarded to the concept or vehicle that best defines elegance in design.
• Entries were judged by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) in conjunction with design experts from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Mass.
• The groundbreaking design of the all-new 2017 Ford GT combines style and elegance in a sleek, stylish and powerful silhouette

The 2017 Ford GT has earned the Gene Ritvo Award for Design and Elegance from the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) in conjunction with Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and the Larz Anderson Auto Museum.

The Ritvo honors the best in design in the automotive world, whether it’s a concept car, production vehicle, a marketing campaign or a particular element of a vehicle that defines elegance in design.

“It is an honor to receive this award, an accolade that the entire team behind the all-new Ford GT can proud of,” said Moray Callum, vice president, Design, Ford Motor Company. 

“The 2017 Ford GT has a revolutionary design that maintains the essence of the original GT40, while making it into a 21st century car. This vehicle truly demonstrates our commitment to performance and innovation in every aspect of our business.”

“The challenge of producing a car like this is that the original is one of the most iconic and decorated cars in American automobile history,” said Zachary Dollar, Officer, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. “Ford kept enough of the soul of the original that it is still identifiable, but used modern tools, materials, and technology to make it a car of today.”

The Ford GT ultra-high-performance supercar was first unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show and represents the ultimate execution of an enthusiast supercar. It sets new standards for Ford innovation through performance, with advances in light-weighting, aerodynamics and an ultra-efficient EcoBoost® engine.

"The Ford GT is the future in the present," said NEMPA President Craig Fitzgerald, "but it never strays too far from the proportions that made the GT40 an instant classic. The Ford GT is no nostalgia car, but it looks back with enough fondness to make it appealing to every generation of car enthusiast. It's a worthy recipient of the award named for our friend Gene Ritvo."

The award is named for the late Gene Ritvo, a devoted NEMPA member and veteran concours photographer who had an unusually keen eye. This is the second Ritvo Award for Ford Motor Company, the first received in 2012 for the newly designed Fusion.

FORD GT names 2015 North American, Most significant concept vehicle of the year.

The all-new Ford GT – a technology showcase for top EcoBoost® performance, aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fiber construction – today nabbed the prestigious North American award for 2015 Production Preview Concept of the Year, as well as top honors as Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2015.

 

The awards recognize vehicles most likely to shape the future of the auto industry. More than two dozen jurors participated in a selection process that involved a total of 30 vehicles, each introduced to North America during this season’s auto shows in Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Toronto and New York. This is the 20th time Ford is a category finalist, and the fifth time the company has taken home the category title.

GENEVA - McLaren announces 675 will be a limited production run after debut at Geneva.

• 675LT re-establishes the McLaren ‘Longtail’ heritage, focusing on light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement
• Priced at £259,500 and production strictly limited to 500 units globally
• Chassis changes confirmed including wider track and stiffer rated springs front and rear
• Optional Club Sport pack adds titanium roll hoop and harness
• The McLaren 675LT was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. 

The McLaren 675LT, which made its global debut today at the 85^th International Geneva Motor Show, will be the lightest, most powerful and fastest model in the McLaren Super Series, and also the most exclusive: production will be strictly limited to just 500 examples worldwide.

The limited production model has a clear focus on light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement. At its core is the lightweight carbon fibre MonoCell chassis, shared with each model in the Super Series, but the chassis set up and powertrain are bespoke, with a third of overall parts and components modified.

A more aggressive set up gives the 675LT a unique track-focused feel, while still retaining the adjustable ProActive Chassis Control to ensure drivability and comfort levels are maintained. One of the many updates featured on the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ was a wider track, front and rear. This approach is echoed in the 675LT, with the front and rear track widened by 20mm, ensuring optimised stability and handling performance. 

Lightweight springs front and rear have been stiffened – 27 percent at the front and 63 percent at the rear – to improve body control and allow for the 40 percent increase in downforce generated by the revised bodywork and active aerodynamics. Newly-developed suspension geometry includes lightweight uprights and wishbones based on the learnings from the McLaren P1™. This is coupled with a faster steering rack to give a more extreme driver-focused experience.

The obsession with weight saving sees the 675LT tip the scales at just 1,230kg (dry weight), making it the lightest model in the already lightweight Super Series, with a saving of more than 100kg. This has been achieved with the use of lighter weight components. For example, the changes to the car’s glazing alone save 4.5kg with a thinner windscreen and rear bulkhead glass, and replacing the engine cover with motorsport-style polycarbonate.

The 675LT uses the familiar seven-speed SSG transmission found in the other Super Series models, retaining the Normal, Sport or Track modes. These settings have been recalibrated to produce more eager performance, with optimised throttle response and gearshifts up to twice as fast as previously offered. 

The newly developed ‘Ignition Cut’ technology is a technique adopted from Formula 1™ which sees a momentary cut of the fuel spark on gearshift. This delivers the fastest change possible, and is accompanied by a dramatic aural ‘crack’ on both upshift and downshift.  Also debuting on the 675LT is an all-new Electronic Stability Control (ESC) calibration, giving the driver an even greater level of control over the throttle and brake inputs.

The 675LT unveiled to world’s automotive media gathered in Geneva was finished in the newly launched Chicane Grey, showcasing the McLaren Club Sport pack. This option, priced at £5,090 for the UK market, is designed with an even greater focus on track driving, and includes titanium roll hoop with four point harnesses and a fire extinguisher.

The limited edition McLaren 675LT is available to order from all McLaren Retailers, priced from £259,500. Deliveries will commence from July 2015.

675LT re-establishes the McLaren ‘Longtail’ heritage.

• 675LT re-establishes the McLaren ‘Longtail’ heritage, focusing on light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement
• 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds; 0-200 km/h in 7.9 seconds
• 100kg weight saving makes the 675LT the lightest in its class, and gives a power-to-weight ratio of 549PS per tonne
• A third of parts changed compared to the 650S which it sits alongside in the McLaren Super Series
• Significantly enhanced M838TL engine in the 675LT features more than 50 percent new components
• Five unique ‘By McLaren’ hero specifications offered
• Global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2015 on stand 1240, at 12.15 CET (11.15 GMT)

The McLaren 675LT will make its world debut at the 85^th Geneva Motor Show, with a clear focus on performance, light weight and ultimate levels of driver engagement – all key attributes of a McLaren ‘Longtail’. Offered as a Coupé only, the 675LT will be the most track-focused, yet road legal, model in the McLaren Super Series, with a power to weight ratio that eclipses established rivals. 

The sprint from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes just 2.9 seconds, with controlled torque delivery ensuring optimised traction off the line. Acceleration continues at relentless pace with the 200 km/h barrier broken in 7.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).

The first images of the car demonstrate a more aggressive look for the McLaren brand than has been seen before. Styling cues run from the extended carbon fibre front splitter, through an extended door blade and additional cooling intake, to the circular twin titanium exhaust pipes, giving a hint to the performance available for the most powerful and lightest model in the McLaren Super Series. 

The active ‘Longtail’ Airbrake is 50 percent bigger than the one fitted to the 650S yet, due its carbon fibre structure, is actually lighter. This is just one of the enhancements that add up to a dry weight of just 1,230kg.

More than 50 percent of parts have been changed in the 3.8-litre V8 engine to deliver increased levels of power, torque and driveability. Upgrades include new, more efficient turbos, detail design changes to the cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds, new camshaft and lightweight connecting rods, and a faster-flowing fuel pump and delivery system. 

These changes are so significant, that the engine unit receives a new, unique code – M838TL. The low weight, low inertia power unit produces, as the name suggests, a power output of 675PS and a power-to-weight ratio of 549PS per tonne.

The 675LT is as fully track-focused as it is road legal with around a third of parts modified to suit this purpose compared with the 650S Coupé and Spider that continue in production alongside it.  Yet, like its iconic predecessor, the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’, from which the LT name is derived, this is a car that is as exciting to look at as it is to drive. It also embodies the key attributes of the ‘Longtail’ ethos targeting light weight, optimised aerodynamics, increased power, track-focused dynamics and driver engagement.

THE KEY TO THE ‘LONGTAIL’ SUCCESS: LIGHT WEIGHT AND AERODYNAMIC

Despite the revised, longer bodywork, the 1997 McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ was over 100kg lighter than its hugely successful predecessors. As it was nearly 20 years ago, weight reduction has been a key focus throughout the development programme for the 675LT and, in a subtle nod to its bigger brother, the result is a saving of over 100kgs over the other models in the Super Series. 

This savings have been achieved through the extensive use of carbon fibre for the body panels, along with lightweight engine, chassis and body structure parts. In the pursuit of minimal weight, and to suit its purposeful intent, even air conditioning has been removed, but can specified as a no cost option.

Below a newly designed front bumper sits a prominent carbon fibre front splitter, which works the air harder, complementing new front wing end plates to increase downforce levels over the front bodywork. 

The turbulent air from the front wheel arches is ‘cleaned’ as it flows towards the rear bodywork by sculpted carbon fibre side sills which run the full length of the lower bodywork. A subtle air intake is incorporated ahead of the leading edge of the rear wheel arch, below a more pronounced side intake behind the door, both of which feed clean cool air into the side-mounted radiators.

The aero balance is optimised by the active ‘Longtail’ Airbrake which, as with the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’, is larger – 50 percent larger than on other Super Series models. The reprofiled design flows into the lines of the new carbon fibre rear wings. Two circular exhaust pipes, forged from titanium, exit centrally through exposed bodywork below the rear wing. Despite a more complex design, the bespoke crossover system is designed to optimise performance and reduce weight, saving 1.1kg. 

The rear deck and sections flanking the exhaust pipes remain exposed; designed to evacuate hot air from the engine bay as efficiently as possible, while a lightweight polycarbonate rear screen features further louvres. A louvred carbon fibre rear bumper reduces air pressure over the rear wheels, while the rear design is completed with a dramatic integrated carbon fibre diffuser.

FIVE UNIQUE ‘BY McLAREN’ 675LT THEMES

The 675LT is offered in five ‘By McLaren’ hero specifications, which includes four bespoke colours never previously offered: Silica White, Delta Red, Napier Green and Chicane Grey are all newly formulated paint hues for the 675LT. The famous heritage McLaren Orange completes the themes unique to the model. Each of the five ‘By McLaren’ specifications is complemented within the stripped out interior with carefully selected materials and colours.

The purposeful driver-focused cabin of the 675LT gives even further indication of track potential. A pair of ultra lightweight carbon fibre-shelled bucket seats, upholstered in Alcantara® as standard and modelled on those in the McLaren P1™, provide comfort and support with no compromise on overall weight. A subtle 675LT logo features on the headrest of each seat, and is also present on the rev counter. In a change to the other models in the Super Series, the air conditioning controls are now incorporated within the intuitive touchscreen infotainment system.

The McLaren 675LT will make its global debut at the 85^th Geneva Motor Show at 12.15 CET (11.15 GMT) on Tuesday 3 March 2015.

McLAREN 675LT TECHNICAL STATISTICS

PERFORMANCE

0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)	2.9 seconds
0-200 km/h (0-124 mph)	7.9 seconds
Top speed	330 km/h (205 mph)
Power-to-weight	549PS per tonne

ENGINE & POWERTRAIN

Engine Configuration	V8 Twin Turbo / 3799cc
Power	675PS (666 bhp) @ 7,100 rpm
Torque	700Nm (516 lb ft) @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
Transmission	7 Speed SSG
CO2	275g/km

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT

Dry weight	1,230kg
Weight distribution	42.5 / 57.5
Length	4,546 mm
Width	2,095 mm
Height	1,188 mm

Ford shocks with All new Supercar dubbed the GT.

• All-new Ford GT supercar sets new standards for Ford innovation through performance with advances in light-weighting, aerodynamics and ultra-efficient EcoBoost^® engine
• Ford GT features the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever – a new twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower
• Ultra-high-performance supercar is Ford’s most extreme offering, infused with race-proven technology engineered to keep company with exotics when it goes into production in 2016

Ford today unveiled the all-new GT, an ultra-high-performance supercar that serves as a technology showcase for top EcoBoost^® performance, aerodynamics and lightweight carbon fibre construction.

The GT is one of more than 12 new Ford Performance vehicles coming by 2020. It joins Focus RS, F-150 Raptor, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R in the growing Ford Performance lineup.

Beginning production late next year, the GT hits the road in select global markets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars placing 1-2-3 at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“As we at Ford drive innovation into every part of our business, it’s worth remembering that our first innovation as a company was not in a laboratory, but on the racetrack,” said Mark Fields, Ford president and chief executive officer, referring to Henry Ford’s win of a 1901 car race that inspired financial backers to invest in his company. “We are passionate about innovation through performance and creating vehicles that make people’s hearts pound.”

The all-new GT supercar features rear-wheel drive, a mid-mounted engine, and a sleek, aerodynamic, two-door coupe body shell. It is propelled by the most powerful EcoBoost production engine ever – a next-generation twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 producing more than 600 horsepower.

The GT makes extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fibre and aluminium – enabling outstanding acceleration and handling with improved efficiency.

Ford’s commitment to and capability in delivering technologies typically offered only in elite vehicles is evident in the GT. These include advanced active aerodynamics, such as a deployable rear spoiler, and a host of material and technology innovations.

“The GT is the ultimate execution of an enthusiast supercar,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “GT includes innovations and technologies that can be applied broadly across Ford’s future product portfolio – another proof point that Ford continues raising the performance bar while ultimately improving vehicles for all of our customers.”

Carbon fibre innovation

Few innovations provide a more wide-ranging performance and efficiency advantage than reducing weight. All factors of a vehicle’s capabilities – acceleration, handling, braking, safety, efficiency – can improve through the use of advanced, lighter materials.

The all-new GT features advanced lightweight composites, which will help serve Ford’s entire product lineup moving forward. With the broad application of structural carbon fibre elements, the GT will exhibit one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car.

Anchored by a carbon fibre passenger cell, the GT features aluminium front and rear subframes encapsulated in structural carbon fibre body panels. Carbon fibre is one of the world’s strongest materials for its mass – enabling an ultra-stiff foundation for chassis components, while creating a lighter overall package for increased dynamic performance and efficiency.

Most powerful production EcoBoost ever

Ford EcoBoost technology is available in every new Ford car, utility and light-duty pickup in North America beginning this year.

EcoBoost engines power a growing number of Ford performance models, including the new Mustang, just-announced F-150 Raptor, as well as Fiesta ST and Focus ST.

Based on the same race-proven engine architecture serving Ford’s IMSA Daytona Prototype endurance racing efforts, the next-generation twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 in the GT features a wide powerband with impressive time-to-torque characteristics.

The engine demonstrates remarkable efficiency – a key attribute of its endurance racing-derived powertrain, where exceptional performance combined with efficiency is a critical competitive advantage.

Ford’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 raced to three wins in its first season of the IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship in 2014, including a win in the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring, along with seven podiums over more than 15,000 endurance racing miles.

The GT features an all-new, port/direct dual fuel-injection setup to improve engine response, plus a low-friction roller-finger-follower valvetrain. The twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 will be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle for near-instantaneous gear changes and exceptional driver control.

Aero innovation gets active

Aerodynamic efficiency is at the heart of the GT design, actively reducing drag while aiding downforce and stability.

From its optimum tear-drop shape to its aircraft-inspired fuselage and visibility-enhancing curved windshield, every slope and shape is designed to minimise drag and optimise downforce.

Although each surface on the GT is functionally crafted to manage airflow, it also features fully active aerodynamic components to improve braking, handling and stability.

An active rear spoiler is keyed to both speed and driver input, reactively deploying and adjusting its height and/or pitch angle depending on conditions.

Designed for purpose

While it shares a legacy with classic Ford racing and performance cars, GT is a fully contemporary and functional shape that communicates modernity and pure beauty.

The state-of-the-art chassis is suspended by an active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension, with adjustable ride height. The 20-in wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tyres featuring a unique compound and structure designed specifically for the Ford GT. Multi-spoke wheels encircle carbon-ceramic brake discs at all four corners.

The narrow-profile canopy reduces frontal area and caps a purposeful interior that provides state-of-the-art technology to ensure control, comfort and safety. The two-seat cockpit is accessed by upward-swinging doors, and features driver and passenger seats integrated directly into the carbon fibre passenger cell.

This configuration significantly reduces seating hardware and weight, and provides a consistent and direct sensory connection to the chassis. The fixed seating is combined with adjustable pedals and steering column to accommodate a very wide range of driver statures.

An F1-style steering wheel integrates all necessary driver controls, creating a stalkless steering column that allows uncluttered access to the transmission paddle-shift controls. A fully digital and configurable instrument cluster provides a wealth of driver-focused data. The display is configurable for multiple driving environments and different driving modes.

“While we hope enthusiasts rejoice about this all-new GT, all Ford customers will benefit from the ultimate performance Ford and its new-generation innovations,” said Nair.