Nations Cup and the GT40

JAG · 23 Jan 2004, 23:49 (Ref:848851)

While watching the Bathurst 24 Hours the Aussie commentators were saying Ford could enter a GT40 next year to challenge the Holden Monaros.

Presumably it would be a GT spec car the same as the Holden.

Even if this is an Ford Australia program, I'm sure a number of European and US teams wouldn't mind a GT40 as an alternative to the 911s and 360s.

Afterall some of the Holdens are now making there way to Europe, hopefully in BGT badged as a Vauxhall and eventually the ALMS.

noise boy 2 · 23 Jan 2004, 23:57 (Ref:848859)

I don't know that the GT will fly as a ACO spec GT, as the rules specifically prohibit forced induction, especially on a 5 liter engine. Robert

Duffacus · 24 Jan 2004, 00:04 (Ref:848866)

The new GT40? I don't think Ford have made that many if it is the new one, wouldn't mind seeing it race though, but i'd pitch it up against 550's and S7-R's etc.

JAG · 24 Jan 2004, 00:09 (Ref:848870)

The new car will be made in big numbers, for a supercar, an is pitched against the 360, Gallardo, GT3 in the marketplace.

As for engine spec. you can remove turbos/superchargers in race spec, and increase/decrease capacity as required.

Just as all electronic aids, apart from Traction Control (GTS and LMP1), are removed from the race car.

Duffacus · 24 Jan 2004, 00:15 (Ref:848876)

Is this the car your talking about because I cant see this going up agianst 360's etc

http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/ford_gt.asp

JAG · 24 Jan 2004, 00:18 (Ref:848881)

Yes.

Don't be decieved by its looks. It is a bit of a parts bin special and as I say is up against the 360 and Gallardo.

The Gallardo has 500BHP while the replacement for the 360 will also be around the 500BHP mark.

In order to compete against the Holden at Bathurst it cannot be any more advanced than a GT spec car.

In Nations Cup Diablos are competing against the Holdens.

Duffacus · 24 Jan 2004, 00:30 (Ref:848891)

The 360 will have 445 BHP and your right about the Gallardo. I just can't see a car that was so successful back in the mid 60's right at the top to come back and be racing in the bottom class of sports car racing. I only thought that they weren't making many because thats what I heard on Top Gear! That was quite a while ago though

ToiletPaper · 25 Jan 2004, 06:31 (Ref:849835)

Ford is planning on releasing alot of them, and for not very expensive anyway (compared to the 360's). I would put the Gallardo on top of the GT anyday. And it's the GT, not the GT-40 (now it's 43), no harm no foul.

racer69 · 25 Jan 2004, 07:18 (Ref:849845)

There has been mention of some private parties intersted in running a Ford GT in Nations Cup, even a story in one of our magazines about a team trying to get one into the 2003 Bathurst 24 Hour, but as yet these all seem to be rumours.

Publically at least, Ford Australia haven't said anything regarding racing/developing the Ford GT, their next aim seems to be a Focus for the Australian Rally Championship. Would be great to see a new GT on the grid though.

billnchristy · 25 Jan 2004, 15:59 (Ref:850059)

i believe theyre building something like 2500 a year or so, which isnt a whole lot but considering...

I would think in race trim it would be a more GTS likely car, if ford were smart (in the wouldnt that be nice sense) they would run the GT in GTS and the Mustang Cobra in GT.

gsmith2424 · 25 Jan 2004, 21:37 (Ref:850284)

But if i were Ford and decided to race the GT I would first of all stop production on the 5.4 liter supercharged models and find away to put a 427 into the back of it.

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