Back to the Future: Ford Signs Off With the Last GT.
Although Ford Australia will cease local manufacturing in the next couple of years, it hasn’t forgotten about its history; with a nostalgic nod to the past, Ford has resurrected, for the final time under Australian making, the iconic GT moniker. There’s also the return of the three fabled numbers, 351. In this case, rather than the brawny 5.8L V8, it’s a supercharged 5.0L with 351 kilowatts. Having said that, the engine will need to rev to a stratsopheric 6000 rpm, just a few hundred more and with some in reserve compared to the carbie fed monster of forty years ago, when GT became a byword for pure, unadulterated grunt.
The one that really fired up the GT legend.
Marketed under the FPV banner, the GT F, as it will be known, has had substantial work performed on its engine and transmission electronic control systems in order to reach that iconic number. 
From Ford:
“To achieve the engine’s landmark output, Ford’s engineering team developed an updated version of its Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software which, combined with a unique calibration strategy and torque management techniques, has provided a number of improvements in engine and vehicle performance while ensuring the vehicle meets Ford’s durability requirements. Specifically, the new software has delivered improved functionality of the boost control system, enabling finer tuning of the supercharger for further optimisation of the power and torque output of the engine. This electronic management has also ensured that while power is improved, no extra load has been placed on the driveline or the engine components themselves, ensuring continued durability.As a result of this fine tuning, maximum torque remains at 570 Nm of torque from 2,500 – 5,500 rpm. However, peak torque is produced for as long as possible throughout the full engine rev range, making the new GT F sedan even more responsive on the road or for track days.”
Seconds to last in a line of legends.
There’s no lack of grip, with 275/35 Dunlop Sports Maxx tyres wrapping 19 inch diameter alloys, plus Ford are adding a launch control feature; braking comes in the form of Brembo 6piston calipers at the front and four pots at the back. The exterior is apparently going to be a “hark back” to the heady days of the 1970s, with a black stealth highlight design to complement the five colour range (white, blue, black, orange and dark grey).
Compared to the now unbelieveably cheap price, for what the original GTHO was, of under $5000, this GT will come with a sticker price of $77990 (plus on roads) however there are rumours that the allocated run of 500 (plus 120 utes) has already been presold.
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Philip Williams says:
So sad to see all that expertise evaporate from Australian soil. Appreciate the article & suggest those who buy will not be disappointed.
May 14th, 2014 at 7:57 am