Ford GT Has More Computer Power Than A Fighter Jet

The Ford GT’s sophisticated computing systems work hand-in-hand with the vehicle’s core race car architecture. — Dave Pericak, Ford Performance

For race cars, data, telemetry, and technology have become essential aspects of running fast on the track. On the street, those facets of the vehicle might be even more important. That’s why the 2017 Ford GT is loaded with 50 sensors and 25 computers to run all of its systems.

“The Ford GT’s sophisticated computing systems work hand-in-hand with the vehicle’s core race car architecture to enhance performance, and also deliver greater versatility and flexibility,” Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director, said. “By constantly monitoring inputs, vehicle loads and environment, and adjusting the car’s profile and responses to suit, the Ford GT remains as responsive and stable at 300 km/h as it is at 30 km/h.”

We developed the Ford GT road car and race car side-by-side, and that led to some creative engineering. — Dave Pericak, Ford Performance

Not only does the Ford GT powered by a 647-horsepower, 3.5-liter EcoBoost six-cylinder, but it features an advanced electronic stability control system, and a Formula 1-inspired active suspension and aerodynamics, which change characteristics based on the driving mode selected. All these systems are said to produce 100 gigabytes of data per hour, which is processed by over 10 million lines of computer code working inside those 25 computers at a rate of 300 megabytes per hour.

“We developed the Ford GT road car and race car side-by-side, and that led to some creative engineering, such as the road car’s fully integrated roll cage that also meets FIA racing safety requirements using only a small number of add-on components,” Dave added. “From the turbochargers to the cup holders, every component of the Ford GT has been developed with the driving experience at its core.”

Of course, only a select few will be able to enjoy this driving experience, as Ford is only build 1,000 Ford GTs over the course of its four-year production run. For more on the elite supercar, you can visit the official site here.