Ford just made headlines at the Nurburgring, albeit not in a conventional race. With a time of 6:15.977 (as verified by the track’s own record-keepers), the fourth-generation Ford GT has now surpassed the Mercedes AMG One and the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X to secure its place as the third-fastest vehicle ever to circle the track.
The only vehicles to achieve a quicker time are the Porsche 919 Hybrid EVO and VW ID.R, underscoring a few points that Ford takes great pride in. The GT’s 6:15 lap positions it as the fastest solely internal combustion car on the list—and distinctly the fastest American one. It’s also the quickest car you can actually purchase; good luck acquiring either of the German options.
The lap was completed yesterday by Ford Racing factory driver Frédéric Vervisch, but he delayed sharing the news until today—April 2nd—to avoid any speculation that this was merely a prank for April Fool’s Day related to a potential GT comeback.
To clarify, it isn’t, though if you find yourself thinking this might be a strategic maneuver, you’re not alone. For now, let’s simply enjoy these nostalgia-evoking images and lap video of the Mk IV Ford GT racing around the ‘ring in record-setting time, shall we?
Ford’s 6:15 not only secures it third place overall, but also grants team blue a tasty victory over their cross-town rivals at Corvette. The now-discontinued GT recorded its time in the same prototype category as the ZR1X, providing a rare exact matchup victory. The AMG One participated in the road-legal Super Sports category, recording a time of 6:29.
This was an impressive performance from a car that Ford no longer markets or actively races, and it’s surely no coincidence that rumors of Ford’s upset of the ZR1X with its Mustang GTD are circulating. The initial win in that clash went to Chevy, and the competition between them appears to be heating up.
In the grand scheme, VW’s 6:05 lap in the ID.R doesn’t seem likely to be challenged anytime soon, although Ford indicates the weather was particularly cold during the Mk IV GT’s record lap on Monday. Porsche’s 5:19 lap in the 919 Hybrid Evo remains incredibly untouchable in first place.
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**Ford Sets New Nürburgring Record with a Different Model, Not the Mustang GTD**
In an extraordinary display of engineering skill and performance, Ford has recently established a new lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, but this time it was not with the eagerly awaited Mustang GTD. Instead, the record-setting achievement came from the Ford GT, a model that has consistently represented speed and racing legacy.
### The Ford GT: A Legacy of Performance
The Ford GT is a mid-engine supercar that pays tribute to the legendary Ford GT40, which excelled at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1960s. Since its re-launch in 2016, the Ford GT has been acclaimed for its lightweight carbon fiber build, cutting-edge aerodynamics, and a robust twin-turbo V6 engine that generates over 600 horsepower. This blend of innovation and design has made the GT a powerful contender on the road and the racetrack.
### The Record-Breaking Lap
The new record was set during a series of test sessions at the Nürburgring, a circuit renowned for its challenging layout and tough conditions. Ford’s engineering team focused on perfecting the GT’s configuration, including adjusting the suspension and choosing tires, to boost its performance on the track. While the precise lap time remains undisclosed, it is said to have eclipsed prior records established by other brands, reinforcing the Ford GT’s position as one of the swiftest production vehicles around the Nordschleife.
### Engineering Innovations
Ford’s accomplishment at the Nürburgring can be ascribed to several significant advancements in the GT’s framework. The car includes an active aerodynamics system that modifies the front and rear wings to optimize downforce and stability at high speeds. Furthermore, the lightweight chassis and advanced materials enhance the power-to-weight ratio, enabling quicker acceleration and superior handling.
### Implications for Ford’s Future
Establishing a new Nürburgring record with the Ford GT not only demonstrates the brand’s commitment to performance but also bolsters its standing in the competitive supercar arena. While the Mustang GTD is set to captivate with its performance credentials, the GT’s success underscores Ford’s engineering prowess throughout its product range. This milestone may also shape future models, as the company relentlessly seeks to expand the horizons of performance and technology.
### Conclusion
Ford’s accomplishment at the Nürburgring with the Ford GT is a testament to the brand’s commitment to performance and innovation. As enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the Mustang GTD, the record established by the GT serves as a reminder of Ford’s illustrious motorsport heritage and its continuous quest for excellence in automotive engineering. With every new achievement, Ford solidifies its role as a frontrunner in the high-performance automotive sector.