The 2020 Ford GT is more powerful and much louder

“GT is always the ultimate expression of Ford racing innovation, and as we know from the 1966 Le Mans through to today, that means constantly raising our game,” said Ed Krenz, Ford Performance chief programme engineer.

So how have they raised their game for a car which already ticks so many boxes? There’s more power for starters, with a 13bhp boost to the GT’s 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 along with a broader spread of torque. Maximum output is now 660bhp and, just as important, there’s improved cooling for the EcoBoost engine thanks to larger intercoolers and new buttress air ducts that increase air flow by 50 per cent. The improvements are down to lessons learned with the track-only GT Mk II.

Other changes? A titanium Akrapovič exhaust system is now standard. It weighs 4kg less and, says Ford, enhances what is already a pretty memorable exhaust note. Suspension damping is increased in Track Mode – another nod to the GT’s circuit abilities – and there are new options including one for an unpainted, visible carbon-fibre body. This Liquid Carbon finish also gives you carbon-fibre wheels and titanium wheelnuts.

Exposed carbon is the neatest thing ever but we’d be tempted by the other main option: the Gulf Racing Heritage livery. This has now been restyled with a black pinstripe dividing the distinct blue and orange colours and a switch in race numbers from 9 to 6. These sound like small things but as a homage to Ford’s 1968-69 back-to-back Le Mans-winning GT40 they are absolutely correct. They were in fact introduced because owners insisted on them. Quite right too!

Deliveries of the upgraded 2020 Ford GT are ongoing but be warned: Ford GT production is due to end in 2022.