Electric Cars

The recent Monterey Car Week wrapped up, leaving automotive enthusiasts with much to discuss regarding the latest advancements and audacious designs. This annual gathering, renowned for its exclusive showcases, once again brought forth a diverse collection of vehicles, ranging from highly anticipated hypercars to avant-garde concepts and custom-built marvels, highlighting the industry's continuous push for innovation and performance.

Among the standout unveilings were the Gordon Murray Special Vehicles' S1 LM and Le Mans GTR, which captivated audiences with their blend of raw power and precision engineering, featuring a high-revving V12 engine and manual transmission. Bugatti introduced its exclusive Brouillard, a bespoke coupe boasting a formidable W16 engine, as part of its Programme Solitaire. Lamborghini continued its tradition of pushing boundaries with the limited-production Fenomeno, touted as its quickest and most powerful vehicle to date. Lexus hinted at its future design direction with the enigmatic Sport Concept, while customizers like Kimera unveiled the Evo38, a modern interpretation of a classic with significant power, and Ringbrothers presented the Octavia, a highly modified Aston Martin DBS. Furthermore, Gunther Werks' F-26, a Porsche 911 993 variant with a staggering 1000bhp, and the Tuthill/Meyers Manx LFG, a unique beach buggy with a Porsche engine, demonstrated the boundless creativity within the custom car scene.

However, not all introductions garnered universal acclaim. The Acura RSX Prototype, an electric coupe SUV, faced criticism for its name choice, and the Brabus 700 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, an extensively modified luxury SUV, was met with skepticism regarding its aesthetic and purpose. The BMW M850i Edition M Heritage, intended as a farewell to the 8 Series, offered only subtle cosmetic changes. Infiniti's QX65 concept left little impression, while its QX80 concepts, including an off-road Terrain Spec and a high-performance Track Spec, showcased a more eccentric side. Cadillac's Elevated Velocity, a luxurious electric desert racer with unconventional features like red light therapy for occupants, and Bentley's 'Ombre by Mulliner' paint, a labor-intensive two-tone effect, rounded out the more unusual presentations, illustrating the industry's willingness to experiment with both form and function.

This year's Monterey Car Week underscored the automotive world's multifaceted nature, where groundbreaking engineering coexists with daring design and ambitious concepts. It serves as a vibrant platform for manufacturers and customizers to showcase their vision, pushing the boundaries of what's possible and inspiring future generations of automotive enthusiasts and innovators to pursue excellence and embrace creativity in every aspect of life.

Ford's iconic GT supercar lineage culminates with the introduction of the track-exclusive Mk IV, a limited-production model representing the pinnacle of performance engineering. This final iteration, developed in collaboration with Multimatic Motorsports, redefines the boundaries of speed and handling on the circuit, building upon the GT's celebrated heritage while pushing forward with cutting-edge advancements. Prospective buyers have a final opportunity to secure one of these highly sought-after machines, as a limited number remain available before the October deadline.

Beyond the vehicle's impressive specifications, Ford is committed to offering a comprehensive ownership experience. Each Mk IV undergoes a meticulous pre-delivery shakedown by renowned development driver Scott Maxwell, who also provides personalized lead-follow sessions for new owners. Furthermore, access to the Multimatic On Track program ensures owners receive unparalleled technical and engineering support, along with professional driving instruction during private track events, maximizing their enjoyment and skill development with this extraordinary supercar. While the GT series reaches its conclusion, Ford hints at future high-performance projects, signaling a continued dedication to motorsport-inspired vehicles.

The Zenith of Ford GT Engineering: The Mk IV

Ford's acclaimed GT supercar line is set to conclude with the release of the Mk IV, a purpose-built track machine that represents the culmination of years of racing innovation and engineering prowess. This special edition, limited to just 67 examples globally, is designed exclusively for circuit performance, integrating a new chassis, refined suspension system, and an even more powerful drivetrain. It stands as a testament to the GT's legacy, offering an unparalleled driving experience for the most dedicated enthusiasts.

The Mk IV builds upon the Ford GT's already impressive foundation, featuring a robust 3.8-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, expertly tuned by Roush-Yates to generate in excess of 820 horsepower. This immense power is efficiently transferred through a sophisticated paddle-shifted six-speed gearbox, equipped with an enhanced clutch for rapid and precise gear changes. The carbon fiber chassis is further fortified with a unique integrated roll cage, providing superior structural rigidity and safety. Advanced Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve dampers, adjustable from the cockpit, allow for real-time suspension tuning, optimizing the car's dynamic response for various track conditions. Aerodynamic efficiency has been significantly boosted through extended bodywork, larger radiators, and revised rear elements, enabling the Mk IV to generate over 2,400 pounds of downforce at 150 mph and achieve lateral acceleration exceeding 3g. Remarkably, this track-focused beast has demonstrated lap times by non-professional drivers that surpass those achieved by Ford's factory racing team in the GTLM competition car, highlighting its exceptional performance capabilities and accessibility.

Exclusive Ownership and Unrivaled Support

Acquiring a Ford GT Mk IV is an opportunity reserved for a select few, as only 67 units will ever be produced. While the majority of these highly anticipated vehicles have already been allocated, a limited number remain available for those seeking the ultimate track-day experience. Each car can be customized to the buyer's exact specifications, adding to its exclusivity and personal appeal. Interested parties are urged to act swiftly, as the final deadline for expressing purchase intent is October 15.

The ownership experience extends beyond merely possessing this remarkable vehicle. Ford and Multimatic Motorsports are dedicated to providing unparalleled support to Mk IV owners. Every vehicle undergoes a thorough shakedown by development driver Scott Maxwell before delivery, ensuring it performs flawlessly. New owners then benefit from lead-follow sessions with Maxwell, gaining invaluable insights into the car's capabilities. Furthermore, enrollment in the Multimatic On Track program grants access to a suite of specialized services, including comprehensive technical support, expert engineering advice, and professional driver coaching during private track days. This holistic approach ensures owners can fully exploit the Mk IV's potential while enhancing their driving skills in a controlled and supportive environment. As the GT series concludes, Ford enthusiasts can anticipate future motorsport-inspired initiatives, such as the Mustang GTD and the upcoming Formula 1 program, demonstrating the company's ongoing commitment to high-performance automotive endeavors.