Photography courtesy Ford
To be the man, you must beat the man. Ford got the memo. So what did they bring to the fight and what flagpole were they going to meet at? The answer? A Ford GT Mk IV and the Nürburgring.
Ford’s plan worked.
Frédéric Vervisch, a two-time winner of the Nürburgring 24-hour race, laid down a 6:15.977 lap.
That’s faster than its nearest American competitor, Chevrolet, which set a 6:49.275 time with a Corvette ZR1X, making the GT Mk IV the fastest American car at the ’Ring.
Only two cars have turned faster laps than a GT Mk IV: the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo (5:19.546) and the all-electric Volkswagen ID.R Pikes Peak (6:05.336). The means the Ford entry is also the fastest gas-only car.
“Driving the Ford GT Mk IV at the Nürburgring is an experience unlike any other,” Frédéric said. “The car is an absolute weapon, a true extension of your will. Every input is met with an immediate, precise response. To set these records is a dream come true, a testament to what’s possible when passion meets precision.”
Why did Ford not use something like a Ford Mustang GTD instead of an out-of-production car priced at $1.7 million and only had 67 made? Well, they have used the GTD before at the ’Ring–and it turned a 6:52.072 lap. Ford must have been hungry for a record–and they brought out the heavy artillery.
Kinda lame. Comparing a limited production purpose built track car to a ZR1 that anyone can buy at your local Chev dealer.
Why does Ford do these things? Like the GTD. If you're Jay Leno you get 3 of them but if you're Joe Ordinary you don't even get a reply from Ford.
I love it that Ford shows off its offerings when price isn't a factor. Just like Chevrolet shows its $250K corvette. USA!
In reply to Al :
While I 100% agree with you, I wouldn't keep either Ford even if someone gave it to me (and I'm typically a Ford person). The GTD would be cool if it didn't weigh so much and the MkIV would be cool if it was a V6TT. The last car they made I would spend my own money on was the GT350. The C8 Z06 on the other hand is fantastic.
Time for Chevrolet to take one of their DPi Corvettes over there if we’re gonna play fast and loose with the rules, I guess.
And on Michelin slicks too? Put slicks on the ZR-1 now…
So... it's a purpose built race car. That's nearly a minute slower than the Porsche that's a more appropriate comparison than the Corvette. I mean, it's still cool, don't get me wrong, but that thing should probably be branded Multimatic, shouldn't it?
Would be curious about the weight, more than anything. I mean, the ZR1X is a HEAVY car, but it's a street car, no surprises there. Something tells me this Ford is well under the 3000 lb barrier, if not closer to 2500.
I think it would be interesting to put Max in the car... he's got ties to Ford and loves the 'Ring.
I like the 311 mph top speed. 
Since I can't remember a name 5 minutes after an introduction, something tells me I wouldn't remember half of those corners.
311KPH, which is about 193MPH
Track car does track car thing.
More relatable to me would be if Ford spent some of that money instead on a street-legal Multimatic Fiesta ST.
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