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2005 Ford GT: Not Your Grandma's Ford
Why do I know the Ford GT? Maybe because you're old. But at least your memory's still good. You're likely remembering the 1966 Le Mans, when the Ford GT40 race cars swept the top three positions. The 2005 GT is designed with those road warriors in mind.
By Cheryl McMullen
9/1/2004
I'm not that old! I'm still young enough to want to know what kind of power it's got. Well maybe you've still got some life left in you then. It's got a 5.4-liter, DOHC supercharged V8 engine - all aluminum and hand-built. That V8 gives you 500 hp and 500-lb./ft. of torque.
But will I like what's on the inside? Your age is showing. It's got 500 hp for Pete's sake! But yes, you'll like the interior if you like leather, leather and more leather - dual sport-bucket leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped instrument panel, etc.
It's one sweet car. You're entirely too old to use that word. Act your age, OK? The Ford GT is all curves and lines. The doors are cut into the roof like your best race cars, yet it's unique from its fiber-optic headlights to its ducktail spoiler. Add to that 18-inch wheels in the front and 19-inch in the back.
What colors can I get? Unfortunately for you, it doesn't come in Geezer Green. But it is available in Midnight Blue, Centennial White, Mark IV Red, Quick Silver, Speed Yellow and Mark II Black. It also comes standard with body side "Ford GT" logo vinyl tape stripes. You also have the option of adding painted racing stripes over the hood, roof and rear hatch.
I'm sold. What's the price tag? Got your heart medication? The MSRP is $139,995 (or $280/horsepower.)
For a Ford?! What else is in its class? It's been tested (and held its own) against the Porsche 911 GT3 ($101,965) and the Ferrari Challenge Stradale ($193,324).
How'd it do? Well, one car-enthusiast magazine test drive showed the Ford GT going 0 to 60 in 3.3 seconds. The Ferrari took 4 seconds. (Slacker!) Ford GT also recorded a quarter-mile time of 11.6 seconds at 128 mph. (Ferrari was a full 13 seconds behind.) Top speed for the GT: 205 mph! Not exactly your grandma's Ford.
Writer Cheryl McMullen is managing editor of BodyShop Business.