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		Turntable star, the new GT was busy all day. Any Downloadable Files Associated with this Article (Click on the file name to download it)
Swoopy and stylin' with a wide range of intakes, spoilers and exhaust ports.
2015 NAIAS No Limits Magazine's Star Car of the Show
Click on the Thumbnails Below to Enlarge Story by Eric White, No Limits Magazine feature writer Photos by author and Ford Motor Company It’s easy to judge the Star Car of the North American International Auto Show, just observe the size of the crowd gathered around each display. This year the car that garnered the most ardent audience was the new Ford GT supercar. Dressed in a somewhat proximal shade of Viking Blue—perhaps to complete a patriotic red, white and blue triumvirate with its two predecessors, also on display, or maybe to match the seminal blue of Shelby American’s competition heritage color—the restricted-access turntable was surrounded almost constantly. Not that the number of admirers accounts completely for the Star Car pick, but it is a pretty good indicator. While the second generation GT shares a very familial look with its predecessor the GT-40, this new beast only gives the slightest nod to its two older ancestors. It is a two-seater, and it is built by Ford. Granted, the headlight/upper front appearance does look very familiar. Where the big rethinks come into the picture are with body design and powertrain fitment. Extensive use of ultra-lightweight carbon fiber in the body panels and passenger compartment tub result in a substantial overall package weight reduction. Speaking of body panels, the new styling direction for the GT seems to be derived from the Ferrari school of design—inlets, outlets, spoilers and tunnels galore. These features are no doubt incorporated to increase aerodynamic stability and operational functionality at 250+ mph, and allowing cool streams of air to flow in and out of the engine compartment, through the radiator, and around the carbon-fiber brake rotors. An F-1 inspired rear design separates the rear quarter panel/ wheel housings and tail lamps from the mid-location engine compartment and its dual, center-exit exhaust ports The tail also features an active rear spoiler that reacts to driver and vehicle velocity input. Powering this busy, yet pleasing body architecture is an EcoBoost 3.5L V6. Port/direct, dual fuel injection, and twin turbocharger boosting, results in a claimed 600+ hp rating. A seven-speed, dual-clutch transaxle keeps it all moving forward in an efficient, albeit very rapid manner. Production is slated to begin late next year as a 2017 model. This introduction date fits in nicely with Ford’s planned celebration of the original GT-40’s 1-2-3 sweep of the 1966 24 Hours of LeMans. Give it up for the return of an American competition legend! The rear view bears no resemblance to the earlier Ford GTs. Detail side-view shot reveals a shape simulation between the rear-view mirror and the tunnel opening. The separation of the wheel housings and the engine compartment is readily apparent from the rear. Swivel passenger doors cut side clearance requirements, just watch out for low-hanging beams. Plan-view of Ford's supercar. Tight interior features an F-1 inspired steering wheel.