Ford's Ambitious Hypercar: The Unforgettable Ford GT90

Special ONES - Ford is a name synonymous with excellence in the automotive world, renowned for producing high-quality vehicles that have often emerged victorious in various motorsport championships. Among its legendary creations, the Ford GT40 stands tall as a symbol of dominance in endurance racing during the 1960s. In the spirit of innovation and performance, Ford conceived a remarkable successor known as the Ford GT90.

The magnificent creation of the Ford GT90 earned the title of "world's mightiest supercar" due to its cutting-edge technology and unmatched capabilities of the time. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

In January 1995, at the prestigious Detroit Auto Show, Ford unveiled a groundbreaking concept car, the Ford GT90. This magnificent creation earned the title of "world's mightiest supercar" due to its cutting-edge technology and unmatched capabilities of the time.

The Ford GT90 was not merely a concept car; it was envisioned as the spiritual heir to the iconic Ford GT40. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

The Ford GT90 was not merely a concept car; it was envisioned as the spiritual heir to the iconic Ford GT40. Beyond this, it served as a crucible for testing advanced technology, technical and design concepts, and driver-centric features that would eventually find their way into future Ford models.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Ford GT90 was its pioneering use of the "New Edge" design concept, a design philosophy that would later grace subsequent Ford classics like the Ford Focus, Mustang, and Falcon, further solidifying its significance in Ford's history.

The Ford GT90 dazzled in a striking bright white hue, featured with a forward-positioned cabin with a short hood, complemented by a lengthy 2,946 mm wheelbase. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

The creation of the Ford GT90 was an extraordinary feat achieved by a small, specialized group within Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) in just six months. This brief timeframe prompted the team to utilize certain components from Jaguar, a fellow member of the Ford family at the time. This collaboration was not only expedient but also cost-effective, although the Ford GT90 still came with a price tag of around 3 million US Dollars.

In terms of aesthetics, the Ford GT90 dazzled in a striking bright white hue. Staying true to the "New Edge" design philosophy, the car featured a forward-positioned cabin with a short hood, complemented by a lengthy 2,946 mm wheelbase. This design language gave the Ford GT90 an unmistakably futuristic and high-tech appearance.

The Ford GT90 cabin dominated with a vibrant bright blue theme, tastefully blending leather and suede, paired with an aluminum linkage connected to the center console, exuded a sporty and elegant vibe. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

The body panels of the Ford GT90 were crafted from lightweight carbon fiber, while the aluminum monocoque chassis took on a honeycomb structure. Adding to the car's sophistication, the doors were electronically operated, and the interior boasted surprising spaciousness, a departure from the typically cramped cabins found in 1990s supercars.

Inside the Ford GT90, a vibrant bright blue theme dominated, tastefully blending leather and suede. The silver open-gated shifter, paired with an aluminum linkage connected to the center console, exuded a sporty and elegant vibe. The carbon fiber center console, adorned with silver accents, further elevated the interior's appeal. A custom instrument panel, strategically positioned in front of the steering wheel and on the driver's door, contributed to the overall allure, with a yellow triangular detail on the steering wheel providing a delightful finishing touch.

The Ford GT90 powered by a monstrous 6,000cc 12-cylinder V12 engine, a fusion of two Lincoln V8 engines, coupled with four Garrett Systems T2 turbo units. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

Performance was where the Ford GT90 truly shone. Under the hood, it housed a monstrous 6,000cc 12-cylinder V12 engine, a fusion of two Lincoln V8 engines. Taking power to the next level, this V12 powerhouse was augmented by four Garrett Systems T2 turbo units, resulting in an astonishing 720 ponies and a torque of 895 Nm.

All this immense power was channeled to the rear wheels, thanks to the Ford GT90's MR (Mid Engine, Rear Wheel Drive) layout. The rear-wheel drive system was managed by the FFD-Ricardo five-speed manual transmission gearbox, sourced from the Jaguar XJ220. The outcome? A jaw-dropping top speed of 407 km/h and the ability to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.1 seconds. To handle such power, the Ford GT90 was equipped with a double wishbone suspension, borrowed once again from the Jaguar XJ220, renowned for its exceptional high-speed handling.

Despite the Ford GT90's awe-inspiring concept and its suitability as a successor to the Ford GT40, Ford made a surprising decision not to put it into production. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

Despite the Ford GT90's awe-inspiring concept and its suitability as a successor to the Ford GT40, Ford made a surprising decision not to put it into production. Instead, they introduced the Ford GT in 2004 as the true successor to the Ford GT40.

As for the Ford GT90, there exists only one in the entire world, and its fate remains shrouded in mystery. In 2009, the automotive world caught a glimpse of it once more when the Ford GT90 made a rare appearance at an RM Auction event, leaving car enthusiasts and collectors in awe of its legendary status.

In the annals of automotive history, the Ford GT90 remains a testament to Ford's relentless pursuit of innovation and performance. Though it never graced the open road as a production vehicle, its legacy endures, a symbol of what could have been—an extraordinary hypercar that pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering and design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HEMMINGS | CONCEPTCARZ | ROAD&TRACK | DRIVINGLINE | WIKIPEDIA ]

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