Flat Out in the Wild: Ford GT Mk IV – A Thrill Too Powerful for Ordinary Drivers

In this Article we talk about Flat Out in the Wild: Ford GT Mk IV – A Thrill Too Powerful for Ordinary Drivers. Looking for the ultimate track-day experience? Enter the Ford GT Mk IV, a hypercar engineered beyond the boundaries of what most people can handle. As a tribute to the 1967 Le Mans-winning GT40 Mk IV, this modern beast pushes automotive limits further than ever before. Only 67 units will be built, priced at £1.6 million each, making it a playground for the ultra-wealthy. But can this “too much car” for the average driver really justify its price tag? Let’s explore what makes this vehicle a legend in the making.

Ford GT Mk IV

The original GT40 Mk IV left an indelible mark on motorsport history with its victory at the 1967 Le Mans. The 2024 Ford GT Mk IV pays homage to that legacy, but with cutting-edge technology that could make even seasoned drivers reconsider their limits.

Multimatic’s Expertise Behind the Build

Toronto-based engineering firm Multimatic worked closely with Ford Performance to develop the GT Mk IV. Known for their role in producing the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro and the Mercedes-AMG One, Multimatic is no stranger to hypercar engineering. Their experience ensures that this isn’t just a tribute car; it’s a hypercar designed to challenge even professional drivers.

A Track-Only Hypercar

The Ford GT Mk IV is not street legal. Built exclusively for the track, it’s a hypercar designed for those who live for lap times, not public roads. With its racing suspension, sequential gearbox, and aerodynamic enhancements, this is a car that thrives on challenging circuits.

Unleashing 820bhp of Pure Adrenaline

Under the hood, the Mk IV boasts a 3.8-liter Ecoboost V6 engine, capable of delivering 820bhp. While the road-going Ford GT is no slouch, the Mk IV’s turbocharged powertrain takes performance to an entirely new level.

Aerodynamic Mastery

A defining feature of the GT Mk IV is its aerodynamic design. At 150mph, the car generates 1,088kg of downforce, which increases to 2,045kg at 200mph. This incredible grip keeps the car planted, allowing drivers to push through corners with unprecedented speed.

The Design

The Mk IV’s exterior design is not just for show. The elongated tail, towering rear wing, and sleek body are meticulously engineered to enhance airflow and downforce. This long-tail tribute is an homage to the GT40 Mk IV while incorporating modern aerodynamics for peak performance.

Driving the GT Mk IV

Getting behind the wheel of the Ford GT Mk IV isn’t like driving your typical sports car. In fact, it’s not even like driving most supercars. The GT Mk IV pushes your cognitive and physical abilities to the edge, offering a driving experience that’s both thrilling and humbling.

Calabogie Motorsports Park

Our first taste of the GT Mk IV takes place at Calabogie Motorsports Park in Ontario, Canada. With its 3.14-mile track that cuts through lush hills and dense woodlands, it’s the perfect setting to unleash this hypercar. The track’s 20 turns, blind brows, and high-speed sections provide an ideal mix of challenges to test the Mk IV’s limits.

Multimatic’s Calabogie Facility

Situated within the paddock area, Multimatic’s facility at Calabogie Motorsports Park serves as the nerve center for their testing operations. It’s here that they’ve fine-tuned some of the world’s most exclusive hypercars, including the Ford GT Mk IV.

Initial Impressions

Sitting in the driver’s seat of the Ford GT Mk IV for the first time is a mix of exhilaration and anxiety. The sheer power and exclusivity of this car make it both a privilege and a responsibility. However, as soon as you hit the track, all those concerns melt away as you realize the car’s potential.

The Trust Factor

One of the most surprising aspects of our track day was the freedom given to the drivers. There was no pace car, no instructor sitting beside us. It was just us, the track, and the beastly Mk IV. Scott Maxwell, Multimatic’s test driver and Le Mans class winner, set up the car with used tires for the first few laps. The goal? Get comfortable before switching to fresh rubber for some real performance driving.

Breaking Down the Specs

The GT Mk IV is fitted with a 6-speed X-Trac sequential gearbox, motorsport-spec Bosch ABS and traction control, and carbon-carbon brakes for ultimate stopping power. It’s not just fast in a straight line; it’s engineered for precision and control at every corner.Feel the G-Force

With fresh tires fitted, the Ford GT Mk IV reaches an entirely new level of performance. At speed, the downforce presses the car into the tarmac, providing grip that almost seems otherworldly. In fact, it takes a few laps to recalibrate your brain to the capabilities of the car. Corners you’d typically approach with caution become opportunities to push harder.

Intuitive Yet Demanding

Despite the Mk IV’s raw power and advanced aerodynamics, it’s surprisingly intuitive to drive. It doesn’t feel heavy or clunky. The car’s adaptive suspension and finely tuned steering give the driver the feedback needed to push the car to its limits. But make no mistake, this is not a car for the faint of heart.

Driving Modes

The Ford GT Mk IV offers multiple driving modes, allowing drivers to adjust power output and suspension settings. In Mode 3, the engine delivers over 800bhp, while the Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) suspension increases its aggressiveness for sharper handling. With traction control and ABS levels also adjustable, drivers can customize the car’s performance to their exact preferences.

Flat Out in the Wild: Ford GT Mk IV – A Thrill Too Powerful for Ordinary Drivers

As the day wore on, one thing became clear: the Ford GT Mk IV is more than just a car. It’s an experience, one that pushes the boundaries of what a normal human can handle. From the incredible acceleration to the way it grips the tarmac, the Mk IV constantly reminds you that it’s operating on another level.

The Cost of Excellence

With a price tag of £1.6 million, the Ford GT Mk IV is far from affordable. But for those who can afford it, the experience is worth every penny. This car is built for a select few, and for them, it offers an unparalleled driving experience that money can buy.

The Perfect Balance

What makes the Ford GT Mk IV truly exceptional is its balance of power and control. Unlike some hypercars that can be unpredictable at high speeds, the Mk IV feels composed and responsive, even when pushed to its limits. It’s the kind of car that makes you feel like a better driver, but also humbles you with its capabilities.

Challenging Even for Experienced Drivers

Though it’s intuitive to drive, the Ford GT Mk IV is not for the faint of heart. It requires skill, focus, and the ability to adapt quickly. Even experienced drivers will find themselves challenged by the car’s speed and handling.

A Future Icon in the World of Hypercars

With only 67 units being produced, the Ford GT Mk IV is set to become an icon in the hypercar world. It’s a car that will be remembered not just for its speed and power, but for its ability to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the track.

The Ford GT Mk IV is a masterpiece of automotive engineering, offering an unparalleled driving experience. While it may be “too much car” for the average person, for those who can handle its raw power and precision, it’s worth every penny of its £1.6 million price tag.

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