Ford Performance Archives

2020 Ford GT supercar gets upgrades to boost performance

There are still another two years of production to go for the Ford GT supercar and the engineers at Ford Performance haven’t stopped trying to make it better. For 2020, upgrades include increased power of 660 bhp with improved cooling for the 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine.

“Ford GT continues to be the pinnacle of Ford performance,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance Chief Program Engineer. “GT is always the ultimate expression of Ford racing innovation, and as we know from the 1966 Le Mans through today, that means constantly raising our game for our customers as well as earning the checkered flag.”

Continuous EcoBoost Innovation
Beyond producing 13 more bhp than the EcoBoost engine in the 2017 – 2019 GT, the 2020 GT’s engine has a broader torque band and revised engine calibration. There are also mechanical upgrades that include gallery-cooled pistons and higher-energy ignition coils, thanks to lessons learned from the limited-edition, track-only GT Mk II.

Additional engine cooling and airflow updates includes new buttress air ducts designed to increase airflow by 50% while larger intercoolers keep charge air temperatures cooler, preserving peak power for the most strenuous, high-temperature sessions at the track.

Suspension damping is increased in track mode to further enhance handling and body control, particularly for those high-speed transient sections of closed-course circuits.

New standard Akrapovic titanium exhaust
Ford Performance is also introducing the premium Akrapovic titanium exhaust as standard equipment for GT. Boasting the signature craftsmanship of these renowned race experts, this exhaust provides a 4-kg savings in weight over the previous system while delivering that deeply resonant, unmistakable sound emanating from the more powerful EcoBoost engine.

Liquid Carbon
Newly available Ford GT Liquid Carbon places an emphasis on GT’s lightweight sculpted carbonfibre body completely free of paint colour. A special clearcoat punctuates each GT’s unique carbonfibre weave in this limited-edition appearance option.

“This next chapter in the Ford GT story allows us to fully demonstrate our mastery in both the art and science of carbonfibre craftsmanship and finishing,” said Angus Smith, General Manager of Multimatic Niche Vehicles, North America. “The results of this ongoing partnership between Multimatic and Ford Performance speak for themselves, as each visually stunning and unique Liquid Carbon GT is a manufacturing marvel, showcasing the characteristics and nuances inherent in carbonfibre composites.”

Ford GT Liquid Carbon features carbonfibre wheels as standard equipment. Owners can choose titanium lugnuts, 6-point racing harness anchors, 5 interior options and 5 caliper colours. Further personalization is available through two over-the-top stripe options – the dual centre stripes offered on the standard Ford GT or the single stripe found on the Carbon Series, as well as optional painted mirror caps.

Updated Gulf Racing Heritage Livery
Ford Performance is also updating the GT’s iconic heritage livery with a new design (shown above) that includes a black pinstripe to divide the distinct blue and orange colours, recalling the 1968-69 Le Mans-winning GT40. The optional carbonfibre number switches from 9 on the 2019 model to 6 for 2020, matching that of the historic back-to-back winning car, chassis No. 1075. For the first time on a heritage model, carbonfibre wheels are available in place of aluminium alloy.

Pushing the performance envelope with the Ford GT Mk II [w/VIDEO]

This is the last new Ford GT you can buy

The folks from the Petersen Automotive Museum will be auctioning off the last public allocations for the new Ford GT in the name of charity. This is indeed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as the winning bidder gets to choose any available specification or trim which also includes the rear Heritage Edition and Carbon Series! (more…)

Ford makes drifting a Focus RS easier with electronic kit

Ford has developed a new technology that will enable Focus RS owners to have more fun with their hot hatches in a way that wasn’t possible before. It’s called the Drift Stick and is basically a rally-inspired electronic handbrake, developed and designed specifically for this car and was approved by rally and stunt driver Ken Bock.

The car already had a feature called Drift Mode, where the electronics would allow the Focus RS’ rear wheels to break traction to perform a controlled slide around a turn. Now, Drift Stick will make this maneuver far easier, which was the point of its inception.

Referred internally as Project Wicked Stick, its development was led by Ford Performance program manager John Wicks. This kit is basically an aluminium lever between the driver’s seat and manual transmission.

Tugging on it, opens up the rear-drive unit’s clutches of the AWD system, and then hydraulic pressure is applied to lock the rear wheels to induce a drift. This results in clutch-free tails-sliding action, which is similar to maneuvers executed by rally drivers around sharp turns.

https://youtu.be/z-SHQw8G5SE

“The passionate engineers at Ford Performance are also enthusiasts,” said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “Everyone here is encouraged to think outside the box, so project ‘Wicked Stick’ was born.”

“Our engineers will leverage the learnings from its development for many future products for Ford Performance and, ultimately, take back even more of an innovative spirit when they rejoin our mainstream engineering teams,” he added.

Ken Block, who is known for his eccentric and creative stunts performed in his viral Gymkhana videos, contributed to the project and was responsible for the final sign-off. He is a seasoned veteran of using the hydraulic handbrake in rally cars, to execute the same maneuvers.

Incorporating the hydraulic handbrake into the current Focus RS wasn’t considered because substantial modifications would need to be done to the car. These changes couldn’t be easily reversed should an owner want the car returned to its original configuration.

Using electronic technology to accomplish the same goal, was considered a more sensible choice. The following are the benefits that this system offers:

Instantaneous engagement and release – just five to six pounds of pressure is required to operate the Ford Performance Drift Stick – significantly less than a hydraulic handbrake – for easy, precise use
Installation and removal is easy, as there is no welding, hole drilling or calipers as necessary in a hydraulic kit
It also connects to the onboard diagnostics port on the car, allowing it to function as a professional calibration tool

The Drift Stick is available as a kit for Focus RS owners in the US and Canada, which includes the Drift Stick lever, mounts and circuit board with professional calibration functionality. Owners won’t void the factory warranty by choosing to get this installed in their vehicles.

Roush’s supercharger boosts Mustang power to 700bhp

Roush Performance, the world renowned tuning house that specializes in building supped up performance vehicles, has teamed up with Ford to produce something interesting. The duo have co-developed a new supercharger kit for the Blue Oval’s Mustang and F-150 truck.

When bolted on to the Mustang GT that has a 5.0-litre V8, this new supercharger helps to provide a total output of 700bhp and 827Nm of torque. A 2018 F-150 pick-up truck that has the same V8 and bolt-on supercharger kit, will produce 640bhp and 813Nm of torque.

It takes advantage of the new V8’s port and direction injection fuel system technology to maximize boost for better power delivery. The kit comes with all installation hardware and an exclusive performance calibration.

Though considered an aftermarket upgrade, Ford says that this new supercharger kit will be offered with a limited warranty and the vast support network of Ford Motor Company and Roush. Adding to that, bolting it to a Mustang or F-150 will not void the vehicle’s warranty.

“Ford and Roush have teamed up on performance for years on and off the track,” said Doug White, Global Ford Performance Parts Manager. “This new supercharger is another great example of our innovation in performance, greatly improving horsepower and torque so people can enjoy two of our most iconic vehicles even more.”

The partnership between Roush and Ford dates back more than two decades and since that time, both companies have enjoyed a successful partnership on track and the road. Roush is considered a leading expert in Ford powertrains and how best to improve power and enjoyment.

Ford builds F-22 themed F-150 Raptor

Ford’s F-150 Raptor is one powerful behemoth of a truck that needs no introduction. It’s a tough and capable off-roader that surmises the American dream of sticking it to the man as well as mother nature.

The Blue Oval has taken its latest Raptor and customized it to incorporate design cues of the US Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter jet. This particular truck has been auctioned off during the annual auction at AirVenture Oshkosh.

The purpose of this really cool customization job is to raise money and awareness for the Experimental Aircraft Association Gathering of Eagles. It’s an organization and an event committed to aviation and encouraging youth involvement in flight.

Over the years Ford has raised more than $3 million (RM 12,856,500) for this annual event since 2008 by creating these customized one-of-a-kind vehicles. The automaker has also served as exclusive automotive sponsor of the 2017 AirVenture Oshkosh fly-in at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

This F-22 inspired F-150 Raptor was eventually picked up by Gary Ackerman of Gaudin Ford in Las Vegas, Nevada for a whopping $300,000 (RM 1,285,650). Ackerman serves as Honorary Commander/Ambassador for the United States Airforce’s F-22 Squadron at Nellis Airforce Base in Nevada.

Ford design manager Melvin Betancourt and Ford Performance led the design and engineering work of the F-22 F-150 Raptor, said, “Our job – both in the air and on the ground – is to intimidate the competition.The money we raised will enable Young Eagles to reach for the skies as well.”

The modifications that were made are more than skin deep and Ford has released an extensive list of features that set this particular Raptor apart from its civilian counterpart. The vehicle has custom suspension, unique exterior trim pieces and off-roading equipment that help it tackle the worst of conditions.

The following is what the truck comes with:

Whipple-intercooled, high-output 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost® making 545 horsepower and 895Nm of torque
Modified Addictive Desert Design front suspension and bump stop kit
Deaver rear spring pack to provide a smooth, progressive suspension
Fox bypass series shocks with adjustable compression and rebound valving to customize damping for on-road and off-road use
Innov8 Racing custom forged beadlock wheels with Falcon Wildpeak tyres
Upgraded Alcon six-piston painted calipers, oversized rotors, high-friction pads
Modular off-road 1.3-million candela LED lighting system by KC Hilites
Kicker audio system with 1,500 watts of amplification
Unique Sherwin-Williams exterior paint integrating F-22 Raptor jet cues including titanium grille with front silhouette of the aircraft; jet cues
featured on the interior as well
Amp Research power retracting steps
DeBerti two-tyre, gas and ProEagle jack holder
LineX sprayed bedliner
All-stainless-steel cat-back Borla exhaust system with carbon fiber tips
DeBerti carbon fiber fender flares, hood and fender vents
Paint hand-cut and polished to a mirror finish by Independent Detail

The US Air Force’s F22 Raptor is a technological marvel for the 21st century. It is considered a stealth fighter that is able to evade enemy radar with relative ease. Unlike conventional fighter jets like the F-16 Fighting Falcon, its weapons are stored internally. Once the pilot has chosen the target and is ready to fire, only then do its pod bay doors open, exposing the precision weaponry.

This aircraft is one of the deadliest fighter jets in existence and as such, its no wonder that Ford chose it as the the design theme for its ever popular powerhouse, the F-150 Raptor.