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Most advanced Ford track car ever: GT Mk II

The limited-edition Ford GT Mk II answers the question, "What can be done without rules?" says Larry Holt, chief technical officer, Multimatic, the co-creator of the 700-hp, track-only version of the GT. Engineered without race series regulations and limitations, it produces 200 hp more than the GT race car and includes aerodynamic enhancements for added downforce, further weight savings, and chassis updates for better handling.

Featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, "The GT Mk II unleashes the full performance potential of the Ford GT without any artificial performance limitations dictated by racing sanctioning bodies," says Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product development and purchasing officer. "It's the closest GT owners can get to the Le Mans-winning performance and exhilarating feeling of crossing the finish line in the Ford GT race car."

But you've got to have some real coin handy to get one. Limited to just 45 vehicles, the GT Mk II has a starting MSRP of $1.2 million.

We can all still window shop, of course.

The Ford GT Mk II is focused around aerodynamic and engine improvements and shares key features with both the street-legal GT supercar as well as the GT race car. Many of its components have been track-proven in the world's most challenging endurance racing events.

The large dual-element rear wing exceeds what the Ford GT race car offers in terms of downforce. An all-new front racing splitter and diffuser have been incorporated along with new fender louvres and dive planes, which help balance out the extra rear downforce.

These aggressive aerodynamic changes enable the GT Mk II to generate over 400 percent more downforce than the Ford GT, while fixed aerodynamic elements along with its race-proven suspension and Michelin Pilot Sport racing tires enable the car to pull more than 2Gs of lateral grip.

GT Mk II is also lighter and more agile. The street car's adjustable ride height and drive modes have been removed, providing a weight savings of over 200 lb, while 5-way adjustable DSSV shock absorbers work with a lowered and fixed ride height to improve handling and keep the Mk II as aerodynamically efficient as possible.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine is the same one that powers both the Ford GT race car and the road car, but since the Mk II is not limited by any racing sanctioning body it is able to generate 200 hp more than the race car, making the Mk II the most powerful version of the Ford GT. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost is paired with the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission from the Ford GT, but it has been specially calibrated for this track-exclusive application.

VIDEO: Ford GT MK II product walk around with Larry Holt, chief technical officer, Multimatic

What is new is that the GT Mk II adds innovative engine cooling technology, including a high-capacity air-to-air outboard-mounted charge air cooler with water spray technology. The water spray automatically activates in high-temperature situations to provide cooling by applying atomized water on the charge air cooler, allowing the Ford GT Mk II to maintain a consistent level of power at high temperatures.

A roof-mounted intake reminiscent of the race car engine air intake has been added for the Mk II to feed auxiliary engine, clutch, and transmission coolers, giving the Mk II optimal cooling for the most extreme track-day duty.

Increased engine power is paired with improved stopping power. The Mk II features braking performance beyond that of the GT race car by utilizing the street car's carbon ceramic brakes, including 15.5-in. front and 14.1-in. rear Brembo brakes. Unique forged aluminum 19-in. wheels cover the massive brakes with race-proven Michelin Pilot Sport GT tires.

The front fascia and hood of the Mk II are similar to the street car as well as the stylized Ford GT headlamps with signature running lights.

Interior changes include a bespoke Sparco racing seat with a six-point racing harness and an optional passenger seat. A full MoTeC data acquisition system has also been added to provide vital information for a track racer, which also doubles as a display for the rear camera.

Built in Markham, Ontario, the Mk II begins life at the main Ford GT plant before being transferred to a specialist facility at Multimatic Motorsports, where it is crafted into the Ford GT Mk II. Multimatic is headquartered just north of Toronto.

Source: Ford Motor Co.

Published August 2019

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