New Ford GT focuses on sensors to reach 216mph top speed

The all-new Ford GT has more than 50 different sensors to monitor vehicle performance and behaviour, external environment, and driver inputs to enable top speeds of 216mph.

The ultra-high-performance Ford GT’s sensors provide real-time information on factors from the positions of pedals, steering wheel and deployable rear wing, to air humidity and sunshine levels, in a bid to deliver the thrill of a Le Mans-winning race car.

Data is generated at a rate of 100GB per hour – equivalent to about 25,000 song downloads –and is processed by more than 25 onboard computing systems comprising 10 million lines of software code. Between them, the systems can analyse 300MB of data.

“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,” said Dave Pericak, Ford Performance global director. “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 180mph as it is at 18mph.”

Many of the Ford GT’s sensor and computing systems enable the performance of the supercar’s engine, electronic stability control, F1-derived active suspension damping, and active aerodynamics to be continuously adjusted within the parameters of the selectable Drive Modes, for optimal performance in any driving scenario.

The driver’s seat base is secured in the location that enabled Ford Performance engineers to develop a carbon fibre body with the lowest possible frontal area for optimised aerodynamic performance.

“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,” Pericak said. “From the turbochargers to the cup holders, every component of the Ford GT has been developed with the driving experience at its core.”