Designers often rely on scale models to refine proportions and styling cues, using them as a preview of how the eventual production vehicle will look. Styrofoam is a surprisingly versatile material for building said scale models, laying the foundation for the likes of the 2021 Ford Bronco and even the 2016 Ford GT. In fact, the GT scale model is currently on display as part of the U.S. Heritage Fleet.
The 2016 Ford GT concept was clearly built with aerodynamics at top of mind. The supercar was sculpted specifically to slice through the air, from its thin nose to its scored bodylines. Multiple Styrofoam models played a big part in the vehicle’s sculpting, allowing designers to check the vehicle’s exterior flow while allowing it to be easily moved and manipulated.
The Styrofoam Ford GT was developed in a secret basement room at Ford Motor Company’s Product Development Center in Dearborn, Michigan. Across 14 months of development, designers utilized Styrofoam and clay models alike.
Of course, while Styrofoam is extremely lightweight, it’s not sturdy enough to be a viable construction material for a real-life model. The road- and track-going Ford GT features a monocoque chassis and body panels, making it a lean, mean, twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 powered machine.
The 2017 Ford GT broke cover at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle entered production in 2016 before shipping out that December as a 2017 model year vehicle. Very few people can call themselves the owner of a GT, though, as Ford implemented a stringent application process, much like the one currently in place for the Ford Mustang GTD.
Production of the last Ford GT was originally slated to end in 2022, but was later extended into 2023. Buyers who couldn’t get their hands on one right from the factory might get lucky enough to stumble across an example on the online auction block, although depending on the rarity of its options, they sometimes sell for well over $1 million.
They don't want to start over with a new mediator.
A fairly neutral palette this year.
Plenty of ponies, but enough to outrun rivals?
A nice and basic example of the compact pickup.
