Ford GT90

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This article or section contains information about a concept automobile. It is likely to contain information of a speculative nature, but such speculation is usually sourced from the automotive news media, the automaker's media press releases, or other news sources. Concept cars, or similar evolutionary vehicles based on them, may never see production. The content and specifications for those selected for continuation may change significantly as the concept evolves, or as production nears if it is launched, and as more information becomes available. Concept automobiles, and their derivatives if any, are subject to delays or cancellation by the automaker.

The GT90 is very futuristic looking.

The GT90 used blue halogen headlights.

The GT90 rear view. It sported four exhaust pipes and a speed-controlled rear spoiler.

The GT90 side view. On the side there are infrared sensors to detect cars approaching in the driver's blind spot.

The Ford GT90 was a concept car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. It was unveiled in January 1995, at the Detroit Auto Show as "the world's mightiest supercar". Claimed performance included a top speed close to 250 mph (402 km/h) from a 720 hp (537 kW) quad-turbocharged V12 engine.

The mid-engined car was a spiritual successor to the Ford GT40, taking from it some styling cues, such as doors that cut into the roofline, but little else. All angles and glass, the Ford GT90 was the first Ford to display the company's "New Edge" design philosophy. The GT90 was built around a honeycomb-section aluminum monocoque and its body panels were moulded from carbon fiber.

The GT90 was built by a small team in just over six months and, as a result, borrowed many components from another high profile stablemate—the Jaguar XJ220. The all-round double wishbone suspension and the five-speed manual gearbox came from the Jaguar, while the engine was from another member of the Ford family.

The GT90's 48-valve V12 was a six-litre engine which, if Ford had ever produced it in volume, might have produced up to 720 hp (537 kW), thanks to four Garrett Systems T2 turbochargers. The engine was based on the Ford Modular engine. Two V8 engines each had portions removed, and the cut down engines were welded together. In total, this yielded a 90-degree V-12, with 90.2 mm bore and 77.3 mm stroke.

It is one of the cars that can be driven in the game Need for Speed II. It is also available to drive in Gran Turismo 2, Gran Turismo HD, Sega GT 2002, Ford Racing 2, Ford Racing 3, Project Gotham Racing 3 and TOCA Race Driver 2.

[edit] References

• John McCormick "No White Elephant" AUTOCAR, 9 August 1995.