New Ford GT Test Mule Spy Photos Point To Possible V8 Sendoff

[ccap41]

https://www.motor1.com/news/526075/ford-gt-v8-test-mule/

"Could Ford really give the GT a V8 before production ends?

 

The rumors are running hot and heavy right now about a vehicle that, frankly, we expected to exit the scene on a rather quiet note. Dress up the Ford GT a neat final edition package to end its production run in 2022, maybe bump the horsepower a few notches, you know the drill. But maybe, just maybe, Ford will send its supercar out in fantastic fashion with a thundering American V8.

It's important to understand that maybe is the key word here. We have no definitive proof that Ford is planning a V8 engine option for the GT. What we do have is an unconfirmed rumor from an anonymous source that merely hints a boosted 7.3-liter V8 could replace the current EcoBoost V6. And now, we also have these spy shots fresh off the wire, showing a GT that clearly has a modified backside and engine cover. Furthermore, it was caught near an EPA testing facility not far from Ford's world headquarters in Dearborn.

This is actually the second Ford GT V8 rumor we've heard today. A previous report cited another anonymous source as hearing a GT test car sounding unlike any other second-generation model. As for these photos, the rear fascia is missing its lower grille and diffuser, and makeshift bumper pads are visible. The exhaust tips are very different, and if you look closely just ahead of the spoiler, you'll see what looks like an oil cap. Regardless of the cap's purpose, you won't find it in that spot on a typical GT so something mechanically different is happening here.

 

Combine that with the exposed bottom end, the exhaust tips, the location of this sighting, and the rumors, and suddenly we have more than just a couple of sketchy claims. Of course, Ford could be using a GT body to test something completely unrelated to the GT. It wouldn't be the first time an automaker hid a new powertrain in a familiar wrapper. It's also possible this could be a prelude to a track-only model. As for fitting a 7.3-liter V8 into the 3.5-liter's space, pushrod engines are quite compact compared to double overhead cam designs. Size-wise, it should be doable without too much effort.

Here's one final thought on this wild V8 idea. The second-generation Ford GT is slated to end its production run in 2022. When that happens, it will almost certainly be Ford's last internal-combustion supercar so we aren't just talking about the end of the GT, but the end of an era. Looking at it that way, dropping a pushrod V8 under the glass for one last ride of loud American power isn't just a fitting way to drive into the sunset. It feels almost mandatory."

 

[oldshurst442]

Quote

it will almost certainly be Ford's last internal-combustion supercar so we aren't just talking about the end of the GT, but the end of an era. Looking at it that way, dropping a pushrod V8 under the glass for one last ride of loud American power isn't just a fitting way to drive into the sunset. It feels almost mandatory."

The bolded, coloured part, (Red,White and Blue)    I agree and want it to happen sooooo bad!!!

A Z06/ZR1 C8 sold at the SAME time as this???!!!  A V8 powered GT???!!! 

 

 

And I could hear this song playing in the background

 

 

[ccap41]

Yeah, it's weird to think they'd make this decision at this point but, it does seem like a test mule. This also could just be a mule for future powertrain(s) for other vehicles and just dropped it in this, because they could. 

Buuuuuuuut, everybody and their brother would love for this to happen. 

[oldshurst442]

I dont think its a test mule for other future powertrains as Ford has also declared that they wont be investing in new internal combustion engines. Maybe if this mule had electric motors in it...  But not for internal combustion...

If this mule exists WITH a V8 in it, I think its BECAUSE Ford is actually thinking in dropping a V8 in the GT as a farewell party to its internal combustion engine era.   I dont think its weird at all, but befitting for the GT, for FoMoCo. 

I dont care what V8 they put in it.  The Voodoo.  The supercharged Predator.  The 7.3 Godzilla. 

One thing though about the 7.3 liter.  Its a cast iron block.  Make the block aluminum and Im super happy! If fact...THAT is the engine I would want in the GT. An aluminum block with aluminum cylinder heads in the GT!!! 

I think the GT40s that won LeMans had 427s.  Well, what better way to go out with a bang from the ICE era with a modern GT and a 445 cubic inch V8???!!!

I wouldnt mind the Voodoo in it BECAUSE of the sound AND the high revs.

The Predator would ALSO be welcomed if they chose this route because of the power and a nod to the 2005 GT with the Supercharged 5.4 liter. 

But my first choice would be an all aluminum Godzilla!  Please make it so Ford!!!!

 

[ccap41]

14 minutes ago, oldshurst442 said:

I dont think its a test mule for other future powertrains as Ford has also declared that they wont be investing in new internal combustion engines. Maybe if this mule had electric motors in it...  But not for internal combustion...

If this mule exists WITH a V8 in it, I think its BECAUSE Ford is actually thinking in dropping a V8 in the GT as a farewell party to its internal combustion engine era.   I dont think its weird at all, but befitting for the GT, for FoMoCo. 

I dont care what V8 they put in it.  The Voodoo.  The supercharged Predator.  The 7.3 Godzilla. 

One thing though about the 7.3 liter.  Its a cast iron block.  Make the block aluminum and Im super happy! If fact...THAT is the engine I would want in the GT. An aluminum block with aluminum cylinder heads in the GT!!! 

I think the GT40s that won LeMans had 427s.  Well, what better way to go out with a bang from the ICE era with a modern GT and a 445 cubic inch V8???!!!

I wouldnt mind the Voodoo in it BECAUSE of the sound AND the high revs.

The Predator would ALSO be welcomed if they chose this route because of the power and a nod to the 2005 GT with the Supercharged 5.4 liter. 

But my first choice would be an all aluminum Godzilla!  Please make it so Ford!!!!

 

I have a feeling the 7.3 is the best option that they already have in-house. Ever other V8 they have is DOHC and I cannot imagine those fitting in an engine bay designed around a DOHC V6.

Voodoo would be ideal because of the noises it makes but I would assume it is physically too large for this application but, fingers-crossed it could fit!

[oldshurst442]

True about the Dual Overhead stuff you wrote about. I hadnt thought of it there.  I was just toooooo excited about a possible V8.  LOL   

But dont forget, the ecoboost 3.5 has all that turbo plumbing to deal with...     So maybe, a DOHC V8 could be a possibility.  Ford's current V8 image is THAT of DOHC.  Has been for 20 plus years.  

Any which way FoMoCo decides to go, IF they decide to actually introduce a V8 GT is a good choice.  All have some sort of positive vibe and connection.  

Edited August 12, 2021 by oldshurst442