The Ford GT Mk IV has etched its name into the history books at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, clocking a monumental 6:15.977 lap time. This performance crowns the track-only supercar as the fastest American OEM vehicle and the third fastest overall car to ever conquer the legendary “Green Hell.”
For decades, the 12.9-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife has served as the ultimate proving ground for automotive excellence. As Ford Racing celebrates the culmination of the third-generation Ford GT, the Mk IV has delivered a definitive performance that honors 60 years of endurance racing heritage, dating back to the legendary Ford GT40.
Breaking Boundaries: The Triple Record Holder
The Ford GT Mk IV’s lap time of 6:15.977 is more than just a number; it represents a triple crown of achievements at the ‘Ring:
- Fastest American OEM: The GT Mk IV officially surpassed the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X to become the quickest American manufacturer vehicle at the circuit.
- Fastest ICE Vehicle: It stands as the fastest car exclusively powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE) to lap the Nordschleife.
- Fastest Available for Purchase: Classified in the prototype category, it is currently the fastest car available for customer purchase to complete the circuit.
Uncompromising Engineering
Limited to just 67 examples, the GT Mk IV is a bespoke racing machine designed for maximum downforce and relentless speed. It is powered by a specially engineered twin-turbo Ford EcoBoost® engine producing over 800 horsepower.
To manage this immense power, the car features a longer wheelbase and a specialized racing gearbox. Its carbon fiber “long tail” body is a functional work of art, paired with Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) race suspension from Multimatic to ensure every ounce of performance is translated to the asphalt.
A Master at the Wheel
Extracting such a record-breaking performance required a driver with intimate knowledge of the Green Hell. Frédéric Vervisch, a factory driver for Ford Racing and two-time winner of the Nürburgring 24 Hours, was tasked with the record attempt.
Following the lap, Vervisch described the car as an “absolute weapon” and a true extension of the driver’s will. He noted that the car inspired immense confidence through technical sections like Kesselchen and Flugplatz, allowing him to push the boundaries of what is possible on the fabled circuit.
From Track to Road
The assault on the Nürburgring was a collaborative effort with partners Multimatic and Michelin. Ford Racing emphasizes that these extreme challenges serve a greater purpose beyond the leaderboard. The data and innovations gained from pushing prototype vehicles to their limits directly influence the development of the next generation of Ford road cars for customers worldwide.
The Ford GT Mk IV’s performance is a powerful statement of Ford’s racing ambition and a thrilling glimpse into the future of performance. It stands as the perfect tribute to the iconic GT lineage, proving that when passion meets precision, records are meant to be broken.
