Ford GT Supercars: An Owner’s Tale of Two Generations

As a journalist, full disclosure is paramount. My connection to the Ford GT is deeply personal. I owned a 2005 Ford GT for 13 years, driving it over 30,000 miles before it found a new home with Doug DeMuro. Currently, I am the owner of a 2019 Ford GT. This provides me with a unique, hands-on perspective when comparing the 2005 Ford GT and the new Ford GT. While this extensive experience informs my insights, it also means my viewpoint might carry inherent bias. Consider this your fair warning as we delve into two of the most remarkable Ford Gt Supercars ever produced. My journey with these vehicles isn’t just about ownership; it’s about experiencing their distinct characters, pushing their limits, and understanding their place in automotive history.

Author's blue 2005 Ford GT supercar parked on a desert road near Victorville.

My fondness for the Ford GT stems largely from the incredible reliability and enjoyment my 2005 model provided over 13 years and 31,000 miles. Acquired with just 7 miles on the odometer from Santa Monica Ford on August 23rd, 2005, it became a trusted companion. The car crossed the 30,000-mile mark during a late-night drive back to Los Angeles from the new Ford GT press launch in Salt Lake City – a testament to its usability. This 700-mile trip, undertaken immediately after a full day driving the new GT on track, provided ample time for reflection on both generations.

Blue 2005 Ford GT supercar driving through Utah during the new GT press launch trip.

The 2005 Ford GT: A Modern Classic Supercar

Daily Driver Durability and Reliability

I treat my cars like actual vehicles, not museum pieces destined for climate-controlled storage. A car with license plates should function reliably, a standard many temperamental exotics fail to meet. The 2005 Ford GT, however, is fundamentally a real car. Owners have documented incredibly high mileage, with one example nearing 150,000 miles. My own cross-country trip to Utah subjected the GT to high winds, rainstorms, and even an unexpected hailstorm – conditions that would challenge any vehicle, let alone a supercar. The GT handled it all with composure, never flinching or exhibiting unpredictable behavior, even when road conditions deteriorated rapidly.

Author's 2005 Ford GT supercar enduring an unexpected hail storm during a road trip.

This robustness was further highlighted when factory Ford GT racing driver Billy Johnson took my 2005 GT for laps around the Utah Motorsports Campus track during the new GT’s press launch. Despite being a lead development driver for the new car, he hadn’t experienced the previous generation. After several spirited laps, often more sideways than straight, Johnson gave his enthusiastic approval, calling it “What a pure machine.”

Ford race driver Billy Johnson alongside author Karl Brauer with the 2005 Ford GT supercar on track.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

The 2005 Ford GT’s driving experience is defined by its analogue feel and communicative controls. The steering offers precise feedback, approaching the benchmark set by Ferrari and Porsche, inspiring confidence on both road and track. Its Ricardo 6-speed manual transmission is a masterclass in mechanical engagement – throws are quick, intuitive, and require minimal effort. Clutch pressure is moderate, comparable to a contemporary Mustang GT, and the pedal layout, combined with ample footwell space, makes heel-and-toe downshifting natural.

These engaging controls complement the engine’s broad, torque-rich powerband. The heart of the 2005 GT is a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 featuring an aluminum block and heads, and a dry-sump oil system. Stock figures were 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. My car benefited from a Ford Performance/Borla exhaust, enhancing the V8 soundtrack, along with a smaller supercharger pulley and ECU re-flash. Dyno testing revealed 618 rear-wheel horsepower, translating to approximately 700 horsepower at the crank.

In stock form, the 2005 GT achieved 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 124 mph. Post-modification, these figures improved to 3.5 seconds and 11.6 seconds at 126 mph, respectively. The factory-certified top speed was 205 mph, a figure verified by several owners. Remarkably, despite this performance, the car consistently delivered over 20 mpg on the highway, with a 12-year, 30,000-mile average of 17 mpg.

Timeless Design and Legacy

Beyond the numbers, the 2005-2006 Ford GT possesses compelling traits: durability, low maintenance, reasonable operating costs, surprising comfort, and stunning aesthetics inspired by the legendary GT40. Its design is widely regarded as timeless, destined to be admired for generations. The fact that Ford managed to produce such a well-executed supercar during a period of financial strain and tight deadlines makes its existence even more remarkable. This combination of performance, usability, and heritage explains why these cars have consistently appreciated in value since production ceased in October 2006.

Multiple classic Ford GT supercars navigating Turn 4 at Willow Springs Raceway during Ford GT School.

The New Ford GT: A Le Mans Winner for the Road

Built for Racing Supremacy

The exceptional execution of the 2005-2006 model set a high benchmark for any successor. However, the new Ford GT was conceived with a fundamentally different objective. Unlike its predecessor, which was primarily a road car paying homage to the GT40, the new generation was engineered with a singular focus: winning races. Specifically, it aimed to conquer the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016, exactly 50 years after the original GT40’s historic first victory.

Red and Silver new generation Ford GT supercars cornering on a racetrack.

Ford achieved this goal spectacularly, securing 1st, 3rd, and 4th places at the 2016 Le Mans race. Crucially, motorsport regulations required Ford to produce and sell road-going versions to homologate the race car. Ford continued its racing program while producing approximately 1,350 street versions over four years. With a price tag around $500,000 and an exclusive concierge purchasing program, the new Ford GT commands a premium reflecting its racing pedigree and advanced technology. Is it worth it? The short answer is yes. Attending the press launch as a prospective owner, my first impression confirmed Ford’s description: it’s a lightly detuned race car adapted for the street.

Advanced Technology and Performance

The new GT’s race-bred nature is evident throughout. Its construction features a full carbon-fiber monocoque tub and body panels, standard carbon-ceramic brakes, and a focus on minimizing weight and optimizing aerodynamics. However, despite its track focus, it incorporates surprisingly sophisticated technology for road use. The suspension system is arguably its most advanced feature, employing a complex pushrod and torsion bar setup. This allows for five distinct driving modes and an adjustable ride height, ranging from 4.7 inches down to 2.75 inches.

Diagram illustrating the advanced pushrod and torsion bar suspension system of the new Ford GT supercar.

In “Wet,” “Normal,” or “Sport” modes, the car maintains the higher 4.7-inch ride height, delivering a ride quality that is surprisingly compliant, comparable to performance GTs like an Aston Martin or Corvette. Selecting “Track” or “V-MAX” mode instantly lowers the car by nearly two inches, significantly stiffening the suspension. This transformation is achieved by effectively disengaging a primary spring, relying on electronically adjusted dampers and the torsion bar system for ultimate track performance. The system also includes a convenient front-axle lift feature for navigating driveways.

Stunning Liquid Red new Ford GT supercar hunkered down in low V-MAX mode.

Digital instrument cluster display of the new Ford GT supercar showing V-MAX driving mode configuration.

Another nod to real-world usability is the 7-speed Getrag dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Unlike the manual-only 2005 GT, the new model offers a fully automatic mode, making stop-and-go traffic manageable. Gear changes in “Wet” and “Normal” modes are quick and seamless. Engaging “Sport,” “Track,” or “V-Max” modes alters the transmission logic, holding gears longer for optimized acceleration. Drivers can take full manual control via paddle shifters using the “M” button on the rotary gear selector.

Liquid Red standard and Silver Competition Series new Ford GT supercars driving in tandem on track.

The Heart of the Beast: EcoBoost V6 Power

Powering the new Ford GT is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This twin-turbocharged, dry-sump aluminum block produces 647 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 550 pound-feet of torque at 5,900 rpm. Its compact, narrow dimensions are critical to the car’s aerodynamic efficiency, enabling a tightly shrink-wrapped body design around the passenger cell. This leaves space for large side air intakes and distinctive flying buttresses that channel air effectively. Combined with active front grille shutters and an active rear spoiler, the GT generates substantial downforce in “Track” mode and optimizes airflow for high speed in “V-Max” mode, enabling its 216 mph top speed.

Engine bay view of a Liquid Red new Ford GT supercar highlighting the placement of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6.

More impressive than the top speed is the immediacy of the engine’s power delivery. In the more aggressive driving modes, anti-lag technology keeps the twin turbochargers spooled, providing instantaneous throttle response reminiscent of a large-displacement naturally aspirated engine. This contributes to a blistering sub-3-second 0-60 mph time. The V6 also produces a glorious, throaty exhaust note that fills the cabin – perhaps the only significant deterrent to long-distance cruising, as the cabin noise levels at highway speeds are considerable. Ford prioritized minimizing weight (curb weight is around 3,100 pounds) over adding sound deadening material.

Aerodynamic rear design of the Liquid Red new Ford GT supercar featuring flying buttresses and central exhaust.

Race Car Ergonomics: The Interior Experience

While advanced technology makes the new GT surprisingly usable, stepping inside leaves no doubt about its race car origins. The driver’s seat is fixed to optimize weight distribution and control placement. Instead, the steering wheel (festooned with 16 control points) and pedals adjust to accommodate the driver. The cabin is snug; two large individuals will struggle for space, and even average-sized occupants need to coordinate buckling seatbelts. Drivers taller than 6’4″ may find headroom limited, and individuals carrying significantly more than 200 pounds might find the fixed seats restrictive. Potential buyers are advised to experience the cockpit firsthand.

Driver-focused cockpit of the new Ford GT supercar featuring black Alcantara leather and carbon fiber trim.

Ford GT Supercars Compared: Key Differences and Similarities

Comparing these two generations of Ford Gt Supercars reveals distinct philosophies and characteristics shaped by their respective eras and objectives.

Design Philosophy: Homage vs. Homologation

The 2005 Ford GT was conceived as a modern interpretation and celebration of the original GT40 Le Mans winner – a road car first, infused with racing spirit. The new Ford GT flips this: it’s a purpose-built race car, homologated for the road. This fundamental difference dictates nearly every aspect of their design and engineering.

Powertrain: Supercharged V8 vs. Twin-Turbo V6

The heart of the 2005 GT is its soulful, supercharged 5.4L V8, delivering ample low-end torque and a classic American muscle soundtrack, paired exclusively with a superb manual transmission. The new GT employs a high-tech, high-revving 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, chosen for its compact size (crucial for aerodynamics) and immense power potential, managed by a sophisticated DCT.

Driving Experience: Analogue Feel vs. High-Tech Precision

Driving the 2005 GT is an exercise in analogue engagement. Its hydraulic steering, manual gearbox, and predictable chassis dynamics offer a high level of communication and reward driver skill. The new GT offers laser-like precision thanks to its advanced suspension, aerodynamics, and lightning-fast DCT. While still providing excellent feedback through its hydraulic steering and chassis, its limits are far higher, and its character is dominated by cutting-edge technology.

Livability: Grand Tourer vs. Track Weapon

The 2005 GT, while undeniably a supercar, offers surprising comfort and usability, making it a capable grand tourer. Its relative simplicity, reliability, and decent fuel economy make long drives feasible and enjoyable. The new GT, while featuring adaptable suspension and an automatic transmission mode, is fundamentally a more focused machine. Its tight cabin, louder interior noise, and race car ergonomics make it less suited for relaxed, long-distance travel, prioritizing outright performance above all else.

Black and orange new Ford GT supercar demonstrating its street presence and drivability.

Conclusion: Two Icons, One Legendary Name

Both the 2005-2006 Ford GT and the new generation Ford GT stand as pinnacles of American automotive engineering and represent exceptional Ford GT supercars. The earlier model is a beautifully executed homage, blending stunning classic looks with robust performance and surprising usability – a true modern classic that inspires confidence and driver engagement through its analogue controls. The new Ford GT is a technological tour de force, a Le Mans winner barely tamed for the street, offering blistering performance derived directly from its racing counterpart. Its focus is narrower, its limits higher, and its technology cutting-edge.

Despite Ford’s efforts to ensure these cars are driven through their allocation system, many new GTs may lead sheltered lives. This is unfortunate, as the new Ford GT, much like its predecessor, offers rewarding and playful driving dynamics when pushed. It provides exceptional feedback and allows skilled drivers to explore its limits, albeit at speeds far exceeding legal road limits. Enjoying a supercar priced over $500,000 to this extent isn’t for everyone, but the potential for exhilarating engagement is certainly there. Each generation offers a distinct flavour of the Ford GT legend, securing their places as icons in the supercar world.