Next gen Ford GT unveiled! Production begins in 2016

The 2015 Detroit motor show has proven to be quite the event for motoring legends. While Acura revealed the 2016 NSX, Ford has revealed the next generation GT. The car features a complete design overhaul, with hints of the original styling remaining ever-present.

The new GT is the ideal representation of the change in times. While the original was about power being derived from a large V8, this one is all about weight reduction and power being sourced from an innovative and smaller engine.

The GT makes extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon fibre and aluminium. The GT features a carbon fibre passenger cell, with aluminium front and rear sub-frames enveloped in structural carbon fibre body panels. Though the car's actual weight will be revealed later, Ford says the GT will "exhibit one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car".

Power for the new car comes from Ford's lauded EcoBoost engine which is available in every new Ford car, utility and light-duty pickup in North America beginning this year. After making its way on to other performance models like the Mustang, F-150 Raptor, Fiesta ST and Focus ST, the engine will propel the GT too, but in its most powerful avatar ever. The next-generation twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 in the GT will produce in excess of 600 bhp. Transmission duties will be carried out by a 7-speed DCT gearbox.

The car features an "active racing-style" torsion bar and pushrod suspension, with adjustable ride height. The new Ford GT rides on Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2 tires wrapped around 20 inch wheels. Stopping power is provided by 4 carbon ceramic disc brakes.

On the inside, the driver and passenger seats are integrated directly into the carbon fibre passenger cell. The "F1-style" steering wheel integrates all necessary driver controls, creating a stalk-less steering column. Ford has done this to allow uncluttered access to the paddle-shifters.

Ford says the GT is one of more than 12 new performance vehicles coming by 2020. It joins models like the Focus RS, F-150 Raptor pick up, Shelby GT350 and Shelby GT350R in the growing Ford Performance line-up. Production of the new GT begins towards the end of 2016. The reborn GT will be launched in select global markets to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ford GT race cars getting the podium positions at the 1966 Le Mans 24 hour race.