Spied: Prototype Ford GT hints at twin-turbo V8 switch

The Ford GT was meant to be done by 2017 but prodcution continues into 2022 and maybe longer

The Ford GT was only meant to last 500 cars and two years. Now in its sixth year of production and with more than 1300 built, new reports from Detroit suggest it may last even longer.

Specialist website FordAuthority.com has published spy photographs of what appears to be a prototype GT with emissions testing equipment that suggests a new or heavily modified engine is under its rear glass. The images show major changes at the rear of the car, including the removal of its diffuser.

The GT has been powered by the brand’s EcoBoost 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 throughout its life so the possibility of a new engine would mean the blue oval is considering extending the production run again.

The 2022 Ford GT Heritage Edition with the original ’64 GT40

Exactly what engine it is remains unclear, with Ford Authority theorising it could be Ford’s wild 7.3-litre twin-turbo V8 dubbed ‘Godzilla’, which is reportedly under development. Obviously a bigger engine would provide a performance boost for the GT that could help maintain interest in the six year old supercar, but it’s unclear if the larger engine can physically fit inside the engine bay designed around a V6.

While we await official confirmation of a new powerplant for the GT, Ford has revealed another limited-run ‘Heritage Edition’ at the Monterey Car Week in California. Unlike the previous Heritage Editions that have been based on famous race winning GT40s – including a Gulf-inspired Le Mans winner from ‘68 and ‘69 – this latest version harkens back to the original GT40 prototype.

The 2022 Ford GT 1964 Heritage Edition is the sixth retro special

Finished in Wimbledon White with Antimatter Blue graphics the 2022 Heritage Edition honours the original GT40 shown off at the 1964 New York Motor Show.

“This is the first Ford GT Heritage Edition that goes beyond celebrating race wins – this one goes deep, and honors the earliest of Ford supercar heritage,” explained Mike Severson, Ford GT program manager. “The Ford GT ’64 Prototype Heritage Edition is a modern interpretation of the original, with no mistaking what this car is paying tribute to.”

Ford hasn’t confirmed how many examples of this latest Heritage Edition will be built, with previous versions ranging from just 27 to 50 for previous models.