A new record was set on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife track. This time, perhaps surprisingly, the credit goes to Ford, whose GT Mk IV car set a record lap time of 6:15.977. That result positioned the Ford GT Mk IV as the fastest car of any American manufacturer to ever drive on this track, beating out the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X in the process.
The fastest ICE car
On top of the national record, the model placed third overall among all vehicles ever officially timed at the popular “Green Hell”, including racing cars and electric prototypes, and achieved the fastest time for an internal combustion engine-only car. It also became the current fastest car available for purchase to lap the Nordschleife. Only Porsche 919 Hybrid EVO and Volkswagen ID.R are officially faster than it.
Ford
The technical specifications of the record model, which is intended exclusively for the track and classified as a prototype, justify the achieved result. The car is powered by a specially designed Twin-Turbo Ford EcoBoost engine with more than 800 horsepower. The adaptive ASV (Adaptive Spool Valve) racing suspension developed in cooperation with partner Multimatic is responsible for stability and controllability. Along with the extended wheelbase and custom racing gearbox, a key role is played by the long tail carbon fiber body designed for maximum downforce. The production of this exclusive model is limited to only 67 examples, which further emphasizes its status as a collectible and technologically unique.
The achievement of the record was achieved at a symbolic moment – it coincides with the tenth anniversary of the victory of the Ford GT class at Le Mans and the sixtieth anniversary of the beginning of Ford’s legendary history with the GT40 model in the world’s most famous endurance races. Behind the steering wheel sat the factory driver of Ford Racing, Frédéric Vervischwho described the GT Mk IV as an “absolute weapon” and an extension of the driver’s will, noting the car’s immediate and precise response on every part of the track.
