Is the Ford GT a V6 or V8?
The Ford GT in production today uses a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, not a V8. However, the car’s engine history spans two generations that used V8 power, along with Ford’s racing GT lineage. This article explains where the V6 fits in the Ford GT story and how engine choices changed across generations.
Current Ford GT engine: V6 power
The modern Ford GT, introduced for model year 2017 and produced into the 2020s, relies on a mid-mounted 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. It delivers roughly 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque, routed through a 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle to the rear wheels. This configuration confirms the car’s V6 identity while delivering supercar-like performance.
Engine specs at a glance
Key figures you’ll commonly see cited for the modern Ford GT engine include:
- Engine: 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6
- Horsepower: approximately 647 hp
- Torque: approximately 550 lb-ft
- Configuration: mid-mounted V6 with turbocharging
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transaxle
These specifications reflect Ford’s aim to balance extreme performance with weight efficiency, enabling high top speeds and rapid acceleration while leveraging a compact V6 layout.
Older Ford GT generations: V8 heritage
To place the modern engine in context, it’s helpful to look at the Ford GT’s earlier configurations. The 2004–2006 road car was built as a contemporary homage to the GT40 and used a 5.4-liter supercharged V8, producing around 550 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This V8 setup is a direct link to the GT’s racing roots and the era’s characteristic packaging.
First-generation Ford GT (2004–2006)
This version embodied Ford’s modern take on the classic GT40, delivering V8 power with a distinctive, raw driving character and a traditional manual gearbox appropriate to the era.
Conclusion
Answer: The Ford GT in production today is powered by a twin-turbo EcoBoost V6. Earlier contemporary generations used V8 engines, reflecting different design priorities over time. The shift to a V6 aligns with current performance engineering while honoring the GT’s racing heritage.
Summary
In summary: modern Ford GT = V6; 2004–2006 Ford GT = V8; GT40 racing heritage also used V8s. The engine configuration evolved to balance power, efficiency, and weight across generations while maintaining the model’s iconic mid-engine, performance-focused character.
