The 2017 Ford GT represents a remarkable achievement in automotive engineering and design. This mid-engined supercar combines breathtaking performance with an extraordinary legacy rooted in motorsport glory. Unlike traditional supercars that rely on naturally aspirated V-8 engines, the Ford GT breaks convention with a modern 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6, delivering 647 horsepower and proving that innovation transcends engine displacement. For buyers seeking a high-performance vehicle that offers supercar presence and capabilities at a supercar price point, the 2017 Ford GT stands as a compelling alternative to Italian and German competitors.
A Legacy Born From Competition
The story of the Ford GT begins with a remarkable act of automotive redemption. In the early 1960s, Enzo Ferrari rejected Henry Ford II’s acquisition offer for the Italian manufacturer. Determined to compete at the highest levels of motorsport, Ford responded with the GT40, which achieved motorsport immortality by winning first, second, and third place at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, decisively defeating Ferrari’s 330 P3 models. Ford continued this dominance with consecutive victories in 1967, 1968, and 1969, cementing its place in racing history.
This legendary heritage inspired Ford to resurrect the GT nameplate twice. The company first produced a retro-styled GT road car in 2005-2006, and then unveiled the all-new mid-engined Ford GT at the North American International Auto Show in January 2015. The street version launched for the 2017 model year, designed to capture the spirit of its racing ancestors while incorporating twenty-first-century technology and performance standards.
Engineering Excellence and Powertrain Innovation
The modern Ford GT measures 43 inches in height, a deliberate nod to the original GT40 (which stood 40 inches tall, hence its iconic name). Sitting behind two driver and passenger seats is Ford’s most powerful EcoBoost engine to date: a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 producing 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. This engineering decision was deliberately unconventional, as supercar purists might expect a large-displacement naturally aspirated engine. However, the EcoBoost powertrain delivers performance that silences skeptics.
The powertrain pairs with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing rapid gear changes and seamless power delivery. Our testing revealed that the Ford GT accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 10.6 seconds, with a top speed of 216 mph. These figures place it firmly among the world’s quickest production vehicles. What impresses most is how the car achieves this extraordinary performance while remaining accessible to drive. Piloting the GT is surprisingly intuitive, and the machine feels light and agile from behind the wheel despite its supercar credentials.
The suspension engineering demonstrates thoughtful design compromises. While capable of delivering race-car-like handling responses, the suspension doesn’t punish occupants excessively over minor road imperfections. It maintains composure during normal driving while transmitting more aggressive impacts through the cabin during spirited driving—a characteristic that reminds occupants of the vehicle’s performance-first philosophy.
Production and Availability
Ford announced production of just 200 Ford GT vehicles for the 2017 model year, with only half allocated for the North American market. This intentional scarcity establishes exclusivity comparable to limited-production Ferraris and Lamborghinis. The company also produced a handful of Competition Series variants, which were customer versions of the LMGTE Pro race car that won its class at the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans. These track-focused models feature clear Perspex acrylic engine covers and Gorilla glass bulkheads behind the seats for weight savings, along with additional mass-reduction features throughout the vehicle.
Interior Design and Comfort Considerations
The GT prioritizes performance and racing heritage over comfort, a design philosophy evident throughout the cabin. The interior features thick frame rails that position the two narrow, well-bolstered seats close to a slim center console, creating a cockpit-like environment that focuses driver attention. The distinctive upward-opening doors feature wide sills that require ingress and egress through an unconventional method—occupants must first sit sideways on the seats before swinging their legs into the vehicle. This unusual entry method reflects the GT’s race-car DNA, where accessibility takes a back seat to structural rigidity and weight reduction.
The seats themselves are fixed in position, necessitating adjustable pedals and steering column to accommodate drivers of varying sizes. The minimalist interior employs faux suede with aluminum and carbon fiber accents throughout, creating a premium ambiance that reinforces the vehicle’s exotic status. Interestingly, the only components borrowed from Ford’s corporate parts bin are the gear selector and controls for headlights, windows, mirrors, and door locks. This selective sourcing underscores Ford’s commitment to unique design and performance engineering.
Storage capacity reflects the GT’s racing priorities rather than practical daily use. The front trunk accommodates only light luggage, such as a couple of modestly packed weekend bags, offering minimal storage for extended journeys. Occupants should approach this vehicle as a performance tool rather than a practical family conveyance.
Technology and Infotainment Features
Despite its racing-focused design philosophy, the Ford GT incorporates modern conveniences through Ford’s Sync3 infotainment system, which comes standard on all models. The system features a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, integrated navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, connecting occupants to their digital ecosystems. The audio system itself is sourced directly from Ford’s broader component catalog. However, potential owners should recognize that the cabin becomes acoustically challenging at high speeds, with tire and wind noise potentially overwhelming radio reception during spirited driving.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2017 Ford GT carries an original MSRP of $453,750, positioning it squarely in the supercar price segment alongside vehicles from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. This pricing reflects the vehicle’s exclusivity, advanced engineering, hand-assembled construction, and limited production numbers. Prospective buyers should consider the GT not as an economy or even conventional luxury purchase, but as an acquisition of a limited-production performance machine with genuine motorsport credibility and design heritage.
Safety and Reliability Considerations
For comprehensive information regarding crash-test results, potential buyers should consult the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Some pre-owned 2017 Ford GT vehicles may remain eligible for coverage under Ford’s Certified Pre-Owned program, though availability varies by specific vehicle and dealer. Interested parties should contact authorized Ford dealers for details regarding CPO coverage and warranty terms.
Conclusion
The 2017 Ford GT represents one of automotive’s most remarkable achievements—a production supercar that validates its racing heritage through pure performance capability. It delivers supercar looks, supercar performance, and supercar exclusivity at a supercar price, without apology. The vehicle isn’t constructed for comfort, practicality, or those with timid driving dispositions. Instead, it exists for enthusiasts who appreciate automotive engineering excellence and crave the connection between modern technology and racing tradition.
For buyers seeking an American supercar with genuine motorsport credentials and the latest performance technology, the 2017 Ford GT delivers an uncompromising experience. Its mid-engined layout, powerful EcoBoost V-6, and race-proven handling characteristics establish it as a legitimate competitor in the global supercar marketplace. Share your thoughts on this modern icon—what aspects of the Ford GT’s design and engineering impress you most? Explore additional high-performance vehicle reviews to discover other alternatives in this exclusive supercar segment.