New Ford GT

[Les Quam]

I spent about 45 minutes riding in one and was very disappointed. Very quiet almost no exhaust note from the factory which Ford says they were required to do and offer a aftermarket one from their parts department. Car feels like about 450 HP while in the passenger seat. Of the four friends I know who have purchased a Ford GT all of them think it's a dog in factory configuration and are looking at adding HP through a variety of different methods. Three of the four bought 2005 models which spent a minimum of a month at the dealer resolving the various recalls needed on the early to mid 2005s. The fit and finish is very good and the looks of the car are incredible so with a few inexpensive aftermarket bolt on parts the car is a 650 HP killer.

Dealers have provided a variety of answers for their customers when they bring the GT back and ask why it is so slow. One is that from the factory the computer won't let the valves fully open until around 1000 miles. Another is that the motor and supercharger are tight and will get much faster as the owner puts more miles on the car. The final one is that the car is so smooth that it just doesn't feel fast. My local Ford service manager told me their all BS that the car was delivered in a conservative mode to the level of the prospective drivers skill. But with a few extra's the car comes alive.

Dealers are offering at least 10K under MSRP more for 2005s and in some cases free shipping. It's presently a buyers market for a Ford GT IMHO.