http://www.autoweek.com/printwindow.cms?newsId=103476&pageType=news Autoweek News GT goes Topless: Ford to show GTX1 roadster at SEMA show Posted Date: 10/27/05 Ford has chopped the top off of its Ford GT and cut it into four pieces for the SEMA show, thanks in large part to Ford SVT engineering supervisor Kip Ewing and some SEMA aftermarket friends. Insipired by the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford GTX1 roadster, Ewing, who worked on the Ford GT project, completed the initial design sketches and engineering studies on his own. With the backing of Hau Thai-Tang, Ford's SVT and Advanced Product Creation director, Ewing was able to get the support from Ford to build a SEMA project vehicle based on the original car. Mark Gerisch of Genaddi Design Group (www.vgdauto.com), an experienced designer and metal shaper with a history of cutting the roofs off of exotic cars, was chosen to help make a roadster out of the GT. Gerisch and his team developed a roof system consisting of four individual hard panels for the GTX1, allowing it to be configured as a coupe, t-top or full convertible. With all the panels installed, the outer panels can be locked into a vent position and all four panels can be stored inside the vehicle when removed. The GT's rear clamshell covering the engine has been redesigned for the GTX1 to feature two buttresses that flow rearward from the seatback, but the view into the engine bay, showcasing the imposing 550-horsepower 5.4-liter supercharged V8, remains. "The Ford GTX1 project is a great example of manufacturers working together with the aftermarket to stretch the boundaries and investigate potential design and product innovation," said Thai-Tang. The GTX1 conversion, which will be on display at the SEMA show starting Nov. 1, is available for any owner of a Ford GT. For more information, check out www.gtx1.com. Besides Genaddi, the GTX1 features several SEMA-member company products, including: Wheels: 6061 Alloy Corporation 19-inch front/20-inch rear Seats: Sparco Carbon fiber Ford GT custom Brakes: Brembo Alum. mono-block/two-piece rotors Tires: Pirelli P-Zero Rosso Dampers: Dynamic Dampers, Adjustable coil-overs Trunk: Multimatic Carbon Fiber Exhaust: Ford Racing - Borla Interior trim: WK Industries Paint: Debeers Roof latching: RMD Clam shell cassette: Manitowoc Composites Engineering: Quality Metal Craft
I wouldn't say horrible (well, the color, yes), BUT I too would like to see more pics, especially outside, tracking, etc
I only wish that Ford would get serious with the GT's and put either a big block 427 or the Shelby V-10... so that they could make a serious effort to campaign the car at Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring (like they should have done from the begining... Clay Ford is clueless). The blown Cobra motor is a glorified Mustang motor... Brad
Yea the color looks terrible but the car itself is great. Those Genaddi design people are crazy (in a good way)
Not bad from just one picture. That'll make it easier to get into the car when someone park next to you.
Sure it does. Engines with forced induction typically have non-linear performance characteristics (especially true with turbochargers) that can make driving the car at the limit very tricky. Also, superchargers have quite a bit of parasitic drag that actually robs you of some of the horsepower you are making. This is why most real exotics and supercars make do with high-output, normally aspirated engines. My .02¢ >8^) ER
I agree, what matters is the power and torque curve, not the origins or layout or design. Honorable mention to exhaust note, but personally I love the rumble of an American V8. Just a note about the GT's engine, it is actually just the block that is shared with a truck, and Jack Rouch is building up the motor. The GT500 Mustang shares the same motor and even that high performance car gets a different supercharger. Humble beginings perhaps, but more than just a "truck motor."
The Ford GT does not share a block with any other car or truck. (Unless you know of an aluminum block, dry-sump truck motor.) Detailed info on the drivetrain development is in an SAE technical paper available at the Roush site: http://www.roushind.com/news_downloads/tech_papers/2004-01-1252.pdf .
that is god awfully ugly, in my opinion. regardless of how it looks from different angles, from that angle, it makes me want to vomit.
Ok then, block architcture? I know it is a close relative of the truck motor. Either way that underscores the point, thanks for the claification.
I think this is an iron block, didnt they try aluminum with the last cobra (mustang) and it had bad results with the blower?
All of my favorite exotics (and cars in general) are forced induction. Namely the Porsche 959 and Köenigsegg CCR. You're right though, that the characteristics of driving a forced-induction vehicle vary quite a bit from naturally aspirated vehicles. It just takes some seat time to learn how to best use the benefits that a supercharger or turbocharger can provide. Personally, I find it hard to imagine owning another naturally aspirated car after my last few turbos.
