Unlike many cars that spring from bold auto-show concepts, the GT looks sensational. The production-ready design has lost none of the show car's pizzazz. In fact, at a glance the GT looks almost identical to the glorious 1966 GT40 Mark II that inspired it--despite the fact that the GT is actually four inches taller and some 18 inches longer than the race car. Credit GT Chief Designer Camilo Pardo, who penned both the concept and production cars and, together with the engineering team, managed brilliantly to tackle such challenges as transforming the show car's flush side windows into fully functional roll-down glass--without destroying the rakish profile. The GT team also overcame the GT40's alarming high-speed lift by incorporating aerodynamic tweaks (including an underbody splitter and a rear lip spoiler) that actually produce around 250 pounds of downforce at speed.

112_0311_Reborn_to_Run 2005_Ford_GT_4az Interior_View

The GT is as dramatic inside as it is out. You sit low in the car, surrounded by large gauges (the big speedo is off to the far right), brushed-metal trim, cool toggle switches, a pushbutton starter, and a sensational, small-diameter three-spoke steering wheel. Visibility isn't great--the A-pillars block the view to the front quarters--but we've experienced worse in other exotic cars. Standard equipment includes a single-CD audio system (a high-end Macintosh stereo will be optional), plus such expected conveniences as air-conditioning and power windows and locks. Dual airbags are also standard.

The side doors open with the push of a small button; happily, the GT team has retained the dramatic shape of the original GT40's doors, which when opened take large chunks of the roof with them. Their unique contours will undoubtedly bruise a few heads and make exiting the car in tight quarters a challenge but, hey, wouldn't you rather look good?

112_0311_Reborn_to_Run 2005_Ford_GT_4x Rear_Drivers_Side_View

I'd pinch myself, but right now I'm busy plummeting down Laguna Seca's celebrated Corkscrew, the GT's tires scrabbling for grip as the big V-8 once again shoves me back through time. I still almost can't believe it: This really is a dream come true. As a boy, I built models of the oh-so-cool GT40; now I'm driving a modern reincarnation of the car that looks every bit as dashing as the original and boasts enough performance to make a Ferrari whinny in alarm. And Ford is actually going to put this American beauty on sale in just a few short months.

If we're all dreaming, somebody hit the snooze button--quick.And, if you like what you see here, be sure to check out our exclusive online gallery showcasing additional glamour photography and downloadable wallpapers of the 2005 Ford GT.

2005 Ford GT
POWERTRAIN/CHASSIS
Drivetrain layout	Mid-engine, rwd
Engine type	Supercharged and intercooled V-8, alum block/heads
Valve gear	DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
Bore/stroke, mm	90.2/105.8
Displacement, ci/cc	330.1/5409
Compression ratio	8.4:1
Horsepower @ rpm	500 @ 6000
Torque @ rpm	500 @ 4500
Redline, rpm	6500
Transmission	6-speed manual
Axle ratio	3.36:1
Final-drive ratio	2.12:1
Suspension, front; rear	Unequal-length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar; unequal-length control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Brakes, f;r	14.0-in vented discs; 13.2-in vented discs, ABS
Wheels, f;r	18x9.0; 19x11.5, cast alum
Tires, f;r	235/45ZR18; 315/40ZR19 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase, in	106.7
Track, f/r, in	63.0/63.7
Length, in	182.8
Width, in	76.9
Height, in	44.3
Curb weight, lb	3300 (est)
Weight, f/r, %	43/57
Seating capacity	2
Cargo capacity, cu ft	As much as you can fit in your pockets
Fuel capacity, gal	17.5
Turning circle, ft	40.0
MT ESTIMATED PERFORMANCE
0-60 mph, sec	3.7
1/4 mile, sec/mph	11.70/122.0
Braking, 60-0 mph, ft	100
Skidpad, g	1.05
600-ft slalom, mph	71.0
Top speed, mph	195
CONSUMER INFO
On sale in U.S.	Spring 2004
Base price	$147,000 (est)
Airbags	Dual front
Basic warranty	3 yrs/36,000 miles
EPA mpg, city/hwy	10/16
Recommended fuel	Unleaded premium