Daytona-inspired 2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition debuts
Ford Performance has debuted a new version of its flagship Ford GT, the Ford GT Heritage Edition. This styling update will be in production across the 2021 and 2022 model years and is inspired by the original Ford GT's first-ever 24-hour endurance win at the 1966 Daytona 24 Hour Continental.
This win, in which Ken Miles and Lloyd Ruby led a 1-2-3-5 Ford finish, was the same season where the GT eventually went on to win the Sebring and Le Mans events, both 1-2-3 finishes. The 2021 Ford GT Heritage Edition features Frozen White exterior paint with a contrasting exposed carbon fibre bonnet. There are also asymmetrical red accents on the front bumper, roof, driver-side door and rear wing. Other unique touches are the 98 competition number etched in exposed carbon, classic Ford lettering near the rear wheel arches and the gold-finished 20-inch forged-aluminium wheels with red Brembo brake callipers.
On the inside, the Heritage Edition comes with anodized red paddle shifters and red Alcantara performance seats. The instrument panel, headliner and steering wheel is also finished in Alcantara. Also available is a Heritage Upgrade Package. This adds 20-inch exposed carbon fibre wheels with a gloss red accents, with the brake callipers finished in black with red Brembo lettering. Inside, ghosted 98 roundels on both door panels.
The Ford GT is powered by a 3.5-litre Ecoboost V6 making 656PS and 749 Nm and paired with a seven-speed DCT. This sits mid-mounted in a carbon-fibre body, with pushrod suspension. Carbon-fibre brakes and dihedral doors are other supercar touches.
Along with the Heritage Edition, Ford is also offering a new graphic package called the Studio Collection. Only 40 cars will receive this upgrade, developed in collaboration with the Ford GT's manufacturer, Multimatic. This package will be available in seven standard or a slew of customizable shades that will highlight various sections of the Ford GT.