Optimizing this car for just about any situation was critical, because ensuring owners always enjoy driving it was a top priority. — Derek Bier, FordIf you are lucky enough to own Ford’s carbon-fiber, halo supercar, you’ll want to make the most of its 647 horsepower. That’s why Ford engineers developed five driving modes to optimize the 2017 Ford GT’s performance in any conditions —from everyday driving to all-out racing.
Owners wanted a simple way to make the most of this incredible car, so Ford loaded it with easily changed modes, including Normal (for everyday driving), Wet (for inclement weather), Sport (for a bit more performance), Track (for the road course) and V-Max (for straight-line speed).
“We focused on simplifying the experience,” Derek Bier, Ford GT manager, said. “Optimizing this car for just about any situation was critical, because ensuring owners always enjoy driving it was a top priority.”
Switching the setting changes electronic, mechanical and aerodynamic elements. — Nick Terzes, FordWith just a twist of the knob on its Formula One-style steering wheel, the GT can toggle in an instant from street driving to higher levels of performance.
“Switching the setting changes electronic, mechanical and aerodynamic elements,” Nick Terzes, Ford GT engineering supervisor, explained.
In Normal mode the traction and stability control systems are always on and ground clearance is set at 120mm. The wing only offers aerodynamic assistance above 90 mph and tucks away at 81 mph. You can also soften the suspension in both Normal and Wet modes with a comfort setting, while the latter mode changes the throttle control parameters to keep tire spin at bay.
Drivers can use Sport mode at the track and expect the car to perform very well with this setup. — Nick Terzes, FordWhen the conditions permit, a move to Sport mode makes the throttle more responsive and the AdvanceTrac and stability control can be adjusted. Ground clearance remains at 120mm, but the comfort option is gone and additional slip, yaw and oversteer are allowed.
Activating Sport mode also grants the driver a more responsive throttle calibration make the most of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine’s and anti-lag system, which keeps the turbos spinning to deliver on-demand boost.
“Driver-demand calibrations get more aggressive — where slight changes in throttle result in faster acceleration,” Nick explained. “Gear changes are more rapid, while clutches disengage and engage very quickly for maximum acceleration.”
“Drivers can use Sport mode at the track and expect the car to perform very well with this setup,” he added.
If you really want to cut loose at the racetrack, however, Track mode is where it’s at. With the GT in park, spinning the knob to track lowers the car by 50mm. The spring rates increase, the dampers firm and the wing deploys. In less than two seconds, you are ready to race.
“This mode is for track use only,” Nick said. “Even coming from Sport, control is significantly different — dramatically so. In this mode, every aspect of the car is optimized for track use.”
If flying flat out in a straight line is more your speed (pun intended), there is V-Max, which is designed to provide, well, maximum velocity. Selecting this setting must be done in park, like Track mode, and many of the setting are shared. However, the wing and aerodynamic assistance are stowed for minimum drag and the stability controls are engaged to keep you on the straight and narrow.
Ultimately, V-Max mode is designed with a single objective. For the GT to achieve its fastest possible straight-line speed. — Nick Terzes, Ford“Ultimately, V-Max mode is designed with a single objective. For the GT to achieve its fastest possible straight-line speed,” Nick said. “It works.”
There is one other high-tech option to help you achieve all that speed as quickly as possible — Launch Control. It is available paired with all the drive modes, save for Wet, and works like the systems you are familiar with on the Mustang and the Focus RS. The driver can hold the brake and floor the gas simultaneously. When the white LC on the instrument cluster turns green, you can pull your foot off the brake and the GT launches, easing the power in to reduce slip.
It certainly sounds like those elite Ford GT owners will enjoy playing with all the toys baked into this amazing vehicle.
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