May 10, 2003
One of the first prototypes of the all-new 2005 Ford GT supercar
was recently spotted during noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)
testing on the Los Angeles "River" Basin concrete
expanses commonly used for action scenes in Hollywood movies.
The Ford GT has disappointed many spy photographers because
the exterior form remains true to the original concept that
was a hit on the show circuit. The first fiberglass prototype
bodies were created from molds lifted directly from a clay model
of the concept. As such, The Ford GT engineering team is testing
prototypes without the heavy camouflage that can sometimes hinder
testing, especially if loose fitting materials create excessive
wind noise during NVH tests. The team will make subtle exterior
changes in future prototypes and the first three Centennial
production cars, including an integrated spoiler and bumper.
Part of Ford's Los Angeles NVH testing routine is to repeatedly
drive a pre-established public city route to collect data on
interior noise levels. The recorded data is then used to help
identify and resolve noise issues, and then compared to more
refined prototypes later in development. Ford chief program
engineer Neil Hannemann drew quite a bit of attention on the
roads, even during this routine gas stop. Ford GT test drivers
have even reported "chasers" that follow the car for
long periods of times.
Ford GT development engineer Jamie Cullen is behind the wheel
during this test, part of a battery of tests performed with
early prototypes. The early cars use 4.6-liter 400-horsepower
engines before prototypes of the final 500-horsepower 5.4-liter
production motors are available. Engineers primarily test attributes
like NVH, steering and braking with these cars since the engines
don't significantly change results. "The Ford GT team is
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on such a short deadline that we can't
even afford to do a burnout unless it's part of a test,"
said Neil Hannemann, Ford GT chief program engineer.
The first Ford GT prototype, known internally as “Workhorse
Number One,” gets its first shake down run at the Dearborn
Proving Ground in late November 2002. Tom Reichenbach and Mark
McGowan lead the Vehicle Engineering and Dynamics teams developing
the Ford GT into a world-class sports car.
Workhorse Number One is arguably the most beautiful engineering
prototype ever produced. Several of the Ford GT engineering
team members, led by Kip Ewing and Rich Rinke, took the flat
black fiberglass body panels home and, for several nights, sanded
and painted it until the early morning hours.
In the spring of 2004, Ford will begin full Ford GT production
with plans to produce about 1,500 of the supercars per year
over the course of the program. The car will carry an MSRP of
under $150,000, final pricing will be announced closer to full
production.
Source: Ford Media
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At a LA area gas station, the prototype,
purposely dressed down and left unfinished, comes across as
a poorly prepped kit car. |
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Burned Out? You might think the Ford
GT team is celebrating the end of a long day by having a little
fun. Actually, this burnout is part of an NVH test to determine
how it impacts interior noise volumes. |
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Michigan plates should clue a true
enthusiasts that this is something worth following around. |
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Cruising along the 5 during the morning
commute, spotting the GT is sure to make for interesting water
cooler chat. |
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