2017 Ford GT

The Ford GT is built to deliver blistering performance and an enthralling experience, both for the driver and the passenger. So, most of the features you find in this standalone trim are rather performance-oriented. Though an opulent aura does engulf the cabin, it is only made possible by the use of Leather/Alcantara upholstery and a fully digital gauge cluster.

On the performance side of things, the GT feels heavily appointed. The $447,000 coupe gets equipped with Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, an aerodynamic carbon-fiber structure, and Michelin tires for a stable and controlled performance. And while there are no optional packages to avail, we feel that buyers would not be disappointed with the value that a stock Ford GT has to offer.

We Recommend

The 2017 Ford GT is available as a single trim option and there is not much for us to recommend here. In all aspects, the coupe feels versatile and pragmatic and with a powerful engine to its name, the GT is a true-purists car you would not want to miss.

In a segment that houses brawny and muscular 8/12-cylinder engine options, the Ford GT bears distinction with its twin-turbocharged V6 unit. Though anomalous for its class, the V6 unit that sits under the hood of the GT is finely engineered and feels crafted for performance. It’s the same engine you would find in the Ford F-150 Raptor, but it’s immensely refined, less coarse, and produces higher power outputs. It is rated at 647hp and 550lb.-ft of torque and comes mated to a 7-speed automated manual transmission, which is the standard offering in the class. Power is transferred to the rear wheels as standard, which helps in good initial acceleration, and unsurprisingly, there is no option for an AWD configuration.

The 2017 Ford GT is immensely quick and delivers similar performance as its competitors, despite the least power outputs. With the pedal floored, the GT is capable of reaching the 60mph mark in 2.9 seconds and can further breach the quarter-mile mark in 10.7 seconds. Place a dashcam onto your dashboard and you can record a vivid range of expressions of excitement, exhilaration, joy, and fear, as the GT is capable of declaring its versatility in just a single ride around the city.

Being Lamborghini’s flagship vehicle, the Aventador gets the traditional V12 engine. But this time around it is tuned better to produce around 730hp of power and 509lb.-ft of torque. On the other hand, the 488 GTB that replaces the 458 Italia in Ferrari’s lineup, gets the twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is the torquiest in the segment at 561lb.-ft. Carrying the least expensive price tag in the segment, the 488 creates a solid first impression.

But irrespective of the power that each of these coupes produces, the performance remains quite identical. Each option in the segment has a similar 60 mph timing of around 3 seconds. Even the quarter-mile and top speeds are similar, with the Ford having a lead of a millisecond on its best days.

How does the 2017 Ford GT handle?

The Ford GT, being a true supercar, not only accelerates but handles like one. You could put the coupe into a corner or even drift at high speed without an iota of difficulty. The steering system feels precise and there is ample feedback available to make the ride better than it ever was. The GT provides five distinct driving modes; the Wet, Normal, Sport, Track, and V-Max modes, and in each of these the adaptive suspension adjusts itself according to the conditions.

Furthermore, the versatility of the GT is also indicated in its body design. Being a complete carbon-fiber construction, the GT is one of the lighter options on offer, and with a retractable rear spoiler, aerodynamics is taken care of. To eliminate even the slightest possibility of a turbo-lag in the performance-focused modes, an anti-lag system ensures consistent performance.

2017 Ford GT Braking Performance

For a supercar that goes from 0 to 60 mph in a matter of 2.9 seconds, braking capabilities also assume great importance. By fitting in a set of Brembo ceramic brakes, Ford has cleared its intentions of making the GT an affable performer that vaunts all-around abilities. It comes with 15-inch brake rotors at the front and 14.9-inch rotors at the rear. This setup allows the 3,250 lbs coupe to come to a halt at 98ft, which is impressive for its class.

While the performance potential of the Lamborghini Aventador S and Ferrari 488GTB are not yet known, one thing we can say for sure is that both these coupes, being flagship models from their respective brands, would not stand to disappoint. We expect efficient weight management from both the rivals that will help them in securing a braking distance of under 100ft.

Even as per standards of pure gas guzzlers, the Ford GT performs underwhelmingly, it sips gas incessantly. The GT manages to average mileage of 11 MPG in the city, which extends to 18 MPG on the highway. Under combined driving conditions, the Ford is good for 14 MPG and when combined with its 15.2-gallon fuel tank, the range of the coupe remains below the 300-mile mark.

In this aspect, the Ferrari 488 GTB is the winner. It averages around 18 MPG under combined driving conditions and even in the city or on the highway, it is difficult to surpass the Ferrari when it comes to efficiency. Even its fuel tank is adequately voluminous and bestows a total range of 386 miles. On the other hand, the Lamborghini Aventador S is the least efficient averaging 10 and 16 MPG in the city and on the highway, and is only built for pleasure and not daily driving.

Ford fails to replicate the extravagant and distinct design of its exterior onto its cabin. Though the interiors do not feel lackluster or a dull place to be in, they lack an element of excitement that you would often find in the competitors. However, the Ford is a true supercar with track-inspired dynamics and it resonates with an athletic aura on the inside. While you do get a central infotainment screen and rotary knob for easy usability, all important functions are mounted onto the overly cluttered flat-bottom steering wheel.

In terms of comfort, the Ford GT comes fitted with low-lying carbon-fiber Sparco seats that bestow maximum pleasure. They keep you in place at higher speeds and impressively play their part in maintaining affable ride quality. But you would find the seats to be a bit overwhelming on longer journeys. Additionally, the midsize coupe from Ford lacks practicality. It is devoid of a usable cargo capacity and its frunk or front trunk, due to the mid-engine placement, has a total storage space of 0.4 cubic feet only.

Unlike the Ford GT, the Lamborghini Aventador S and Ferrari 488 GTB do vaunt flamboyant cabins that get adorned with the best quality materials. While the Lamborghini gets a more fighter-jet-inspired cockpit, the 488 remains traditional to the brand with a partly analog partly digital gauge cluster, and infotainment system controls that are tilted towards the driver for better ergonomics.

Even in terms of practicality, both the rivals perform better than the 2017 Ford GT Coupe. While seating capacity and passenger space are almost identical in all three options, the Lamborghini and Ferrari benefit from larger trunk volumes. While the former has a total cargo capacity of 5.2 cubic feet, the latter yet again leads the segment with three additional cubes of space.

Some of the salient interior features of the 2021 Ford GT include:

• Leather/Alcantara Upholstery
• Rotatable Instrument Cluster
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Steering-mounted controls
• Carbon-fiber racing seats

What is there to keep you entertained?

Like the cabin design, the infotainment system of the 2017 Ford GT Coupe remains rather basic. Yet you do get quirky features like a rotatable digital cluster, which will have your adrenaline rushing. The GT makes use of Ford’s SYNC3 infotainment system and does not get many features as standard. You do, however, get a 6.1-inch infotainment screen that can be controlled via a rotary knob. Some other infotainment features include:

• Navigation System
• SYNC3 Connection
• 6.5-inch touchscreen
• Bluetooth Connectivity

Drawing inspiration from the original GT launched in 2005, the latest iteration of the coupe looks appetizing. You get a carbon fiber construction that helps effectively balance weight and with aerodynamic body parts like a wing spoiler and diffuser, Ford ensures a balanced performance. The head and taillights look extremely modern, yet have a simplistic design to them. The coupe rides on 20-inch alloy wheels and rides close to the ground, which not only helps maintain stability but allows the GT to look imposing and like a land mower, when on the move.

The 2017 Ford GT is adequately long and boasts the longest wheelbase of 106.7 inches. Even its ground clearance of 4.9 inches feels apt for a car of its class. Most importantly, the GT is the lightest option at 3,250 lbs, and the way it has been curated, it aims at improving the driving dynamics and performance of the vehicle.

The Lamborghini Aventador S with its redesigned front and rear bumpers look livelier than before, while the Ferrari 488 GTB also has an enticing design to its name and does resonate with a true prancing horse aura. While the Aventador S is the heaviest option weighing 4,100 lbs, the Ferrari is the most compact option available. It gets a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, which is the shortest, but it does stand higher at 47.8 inches.

Some standout exterior features include:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Rear Spoiler
• LED Lights
• Active Grille Shutters
• Exhaust Tips

The 2017 Ford GT, by virtue of its high price low volume status, does not get tested either by the NHTSA or IIHS. But being a vehicle from Ford’s stable, we expect reliability and safety to be held in the highest regard. While safety features might not seem quite extensive, Ford ensures the availability of essential specifications like Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes as standard for an improved experience. Other salient safety features include:

• Traction Control
• Stability Control
• Child Seat Anchors
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Front airbags

2017 Ford GT vs 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S

Both the 2017 Ford GT and Lamborghini Aventador S are relatively newer vehicles in the market and are probably the only viable contenders to one another considering the price point they are made available at. Being performance-oriented vehicles, both the midsize coupes deliver impressively. They record similar timings when put to the test and have equally engaging driving dynamics. So, it is quite difficult to declare a certain winner between the two, solely on the basis of their performance.

The Ford GT, however, does win a point when it comes to fuel efficiency, by being marginally frugal. But, with a better set of features, a sought-after cabin build, and some improved driver assistance aids, the Aventador S does provide better value for the money spent and makes a better option in our opinion, even if it is not as exclusive as the GT.

2017 Ford GT vs 2017 Ferrari 488 GTB

As a logical successor to the Ferrari 458 Italia, the 488 GTB has abundant expectations riding on its shoulder. And it is safe to say that the coupe impresses buyers with its performance. When stacked against the Ford GT, the Ferrari emerges victorious in aspects more than one with price being in Ferrari’s court. To put things into perspective, you could buy two 488 GTBs for the price of the GT.

The Ferrari 488 GTB gets a potent V8 engine that delivers close to 650hp and has similar performance figures as the GT. But where the Ferrari gains ascendancy is in its practicality. By being extremely frugal as per supercar standards, providing a more ergonomic and tech-laden cabin, and better cargo capacity, it paints itself as a practical daily driver that can get fierce when required. For its unmatched versatility, the 488 GTB wins the comparison for us.

To keep the exclusivity of the GT intact, Ford offers the coupe as a standalone option only. Though it carries a big-budget price tag, the Ford GT sets standards for the performance car segment. While it might not be as practical and accommodating as the Lamborghini or the Ferrari, the GT is a status symbol that defines success. So, if you have the money to afford one, the Ford GT will always be the one car you won’t regret buying.