Ford GT Mk IV Sets Record as Fastest American Car at Nürburgring
The Ford GT Mk IV has established itself as the fastest American car to ever complete a lap at the Nürburgring. This exceptional track-focused supercar achieved a remarkable time of 6:15.977, positioning it not only as the quickest American vehicle at this famous circuit but also as the third fastest car in history overall.
Engineering Excellence of the Ford GT Mk IV
Introduced in 2023 and designed in collaboration with Multimatic, the GT Mk IV is tailored specifically for the racetrack. Its features include:
- A longer wheelbase than the road-legal Ford GT.
- A fully carbon-fiber body that enhances performance.
- An oversized rear wing for optimal aerodynamics.
- A racing-specific gearbox to improve acceleration and handling.
- A powerful twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine producing 800 horsepower.
Record-Setting Performance
The record lap was accomplished by Ford factory driver Frédéric Vervisch, a two-time winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. He described the GT Mk IV as “an absolute weapon, a true extension of your will.”
Although the GT Mk IV claims the title for the fastest American car, it is important to note that it is not road-legal. Only 67 units are planned for production, each priced at approximately $1.7 million, with deliveries starting in 2025.
Comparative Statistics
The GT Mk IV’s lap time surpasses notable competitors, including:
- The all-electric Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Prototype, by seven seconds.
- The Mercedes-AMG One, which holds the fastest recorded time for a road-legal car at 6:29.090.
- The Corvette ZR1X, recognized as the fastest street-legal American car at 6:49.275.
Moreover, the GT Mk IV claims the title of the fastest car powered solely by an internal combustion engine.
Unmatched Speed
Two vehicles have outpaced the GT Mk IV: the electric VW ID.R Pikes Peak racer, with a time of 6:05.336, and the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, clocking in at 5:19.546. The VW ID.R is fully electric, while the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo is an unrestricted hybrid Le Mans race car.
In summary, the Ford GT Mk IV has made significant waves in the automotive world, defining new standards for speed and performance among American cars and marking a notable achievement for Ford in motorsport history.