The Ford GT Mk IV has officially become the fastest gasoline-powered car to lap the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing the 12.9-mile circuit in an impressive 6 minutes and 15.977 seconds. This achievement places it third overall among all vehicles ever tested at the track, behind only the all-electric Volkswagen ID R and the hybrid Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo.
Performance and Context
The GT Mk IV’s record run is significant because it reasserts Ford’s dominance among American manufacturers at the Nürburgring, surpassing the previous record held by the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X. It’s also worth noting that Ford used professional driver Frédéric Vervisch for the run, while the Corvette was driven by an engineer. This driver skill differential adds nuance to the comparison, as professional racing experience is critical at a track as demanding as the Nordschleife.
The car itself represents the final iteration of the current-generation GT, built solely for track use and limited to just 67 units – a nod to Ford’s historic 1967 Le Mans victory. Its 789 horsepower (a significant jump from the road-legal GT’s 650 hp) is delivered through a specialized sequential gearbox, optimized for aggressive track performance. Adaptive suspension, developed in collaboration with Multimatic, further enhances handling and control.
Why This Matters
The Nürburgring Nordschleife is often considered the ultimate test for automotive performance. Setting a record there isn’t just about speed; it’s about proving a vehicle’s durability, handling, and driver-focused engineering under extreme conditions.
The fact that the GT Mk IV is a pure-combustion engine car achieving this time is especially noteworthy in an era where electric vehicles increasingly dominate track records. It demonstrates that traditional internal combustion technology can still compete at the highest levels when pushed to its limits.
Future Potential
Ford has indicated that the Mk IV’s time could be further improved, as the run was limited by cold weather conditions. The car’s full lap is available for viewing, showcasing the raw power and precision required to conquer the Nürburgring.
The Ford GT Mk IV’s success is a testament to focused engineering and driver skill, reasserting its place as a formidable competitor in the world of high-performance automobiles.
