This 2016 Ford GT Mk II Development Car represents a rare transition from a standard road vehicle to a high-performance testing mule. Originally produced as a street-legal chassis, Ford Performance converted it into the second of two prototypes for the Mk II program. It bypassed the usual racing regulations to showcase exactly what the platform could achieve without limits. After serving its duty as a development tool, the car joined the Ford Heritage Fleet for promotional use before entering the private market.
The Aerodynamic Evolution of the Mk II
The Ford GT Mk II Development Car showcases an aggressive body kit designed to generate four times the downforce of the road-going model. Engineers replaced the active rear wing with a massive dual-element fixed unit to maximize rear grip on high-speed circuits. A redesigned front splitter and rear diffuser work in tandem with new dive planes to keep the nose planted. These changes ensure the car remains stable while cornering at speeds that would unsettle a standard supercar.
Specialized Cooling and Chassis Upgrades
To maintain performance during heavy track sessions, a roof-mounted carbon-fiber intake feeds auxiliary cooling systems directly. The removal of the heavy adjustable street suspension saved approximately 200 pounds of weight. In its place, five-way adjustable Multimatic DSSV dampers provide precise control over various track surfaces. The chassis also features a front NACA duct and fixed polycarbonate windows to further the weight reduction goals.
Racing Interior and Data Acquisition
Inside the Ford GT Mk II Development Car, the focus shifts entirely toward driver safety and professional-grade data collection. Fixed carbon-shelled Sparco seats include blue safety harnesses and wraparound headrests for maximum support. A full FIA-compliant chromoly roll cage surrounds the cabin to protect the occupants during high-speed testing. A Lifeline fire-suppression system is also integrated into the build for additional peace of mind on the circuit.
Precision Monitoring with MoTeC Systems
Drivers interact with a Multimatic multifunction steering wheel trimmed in black microsuede. A 10-inch digital instrument screen provides basic readouts while a MoTeC C185 data system tracks every metric of the car’s performance. This system also serves as the display for the rearview camera, which is essential given the limited rear visibility. The digital odometer currently displays 16,000 miles, reflecting its extensive history as a factory development and promotional vehicle.
Unrestricted Power and Performance Specs
The Ford GT Mk II Development Car features a mid-mounted 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine. In this specific track-only configuration, the engine produces 700 horsepower, which is 200 more than the GTLM race cars were allowed. This massive power flows through a Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle to the rear wheels. For stopping, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes use 15.5-inch rotors up front to provide consistent and fade-free performance.
Summary of the Ford Performance Development Mule
Owning this Ford GT Mk II Development Car is like possessing a physical chapter of Ford’s modern racing history. It provides a unique look at how engineers refined the Mk II platform before its official debut at Goodwood. Because it was a factory tool, it carries a specialized livery and a record of service within the Heritage Fleet. This track-only machine remains a potent example of what happens when engineers ignore the rulebooks to pursue pure speed.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
