March 21, 2005
New York auto show
2006 Ford Tungsten GT marks racing anniversary
New York, New York – Paying homage to Ford’s sweep of the 1966 24-hour race at Le Mans, the 2006 Ford GT debuts in limited-edition Tungsten Silver.
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On June 19, 1966, three Ford GT40 Mk II racecars finished first, second and third after 24 hours of grueling competition, besting such Le Mans champions as Ferrari. It also marked the first of four consecutive years Ford’s GT40 would take the checkered flag at Le Mans.
The Ford GT was unveiled as a concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2002; weeks later, Ford chairman Bill Ford announced that the car would go into production. The GT delivers 550 hp and a certified top track speed rating of 330 km/hr. It’s built on an aluminum spaceframe chassis with super-plastic-formed aluminum body panels and an aluminum-over-carbon engine cover. The mid-mounted 5.4-litre V8 delivers 500 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed manual transmission.
The limited-edition Tungsten Silver replaces Ford’s Quick Silver colour scheme. The colour was developed for the 2004 Auto Show’s “Performance Trilogy” Ford GT, Shelby Cobra roadster concept and the 2005 Mustang GT. Customer demand was strong enough that the colour was added to the production palette. A Quick Silver racing stripe can be added to the Tungsten Silver palette.
“There’s a good contrast between the colours, but it’s a discreet contrast,” says Camilo Pardo, Ford GT chief designer. “In Tungsten Silver, the Ford GT is really dressy, like a fine suit. It looks mature.”
The Ford GT retails just under US$140,000.
