Ford GT Concept

Bachelors Thesis

Project Duration: Spring 2013 (15 Weeks)

University of Cincinnati

A reimagining of an American racing icon using an alternative propulsion source. The Ford GT concept was inspired by its original predecessor from 1966 but powered by a liquid nitrogen turbine engine. As the nitrogen reaches room temperature it expands 700 times its volume, powering the turbine. The fin like design that flows through the vehicle allows the movement of air to maintain a cooler temperature of the liquid nitrogen that is needed while being driven.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AN ICON?

A Racing Icon Is Born

When Enzo Ferrari abruptly walked away from acquisition negotiations in 1963, a furious Henry Ford II vowed to defeat the Italian automaker at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, leading to the creation of the revolutionary, 40-inch-tall Ford GT40. After initial struggles—including a failure to finish in 1964—Ford appointed Carroll Shelby to manage the program, who upgraded the vehicles with larger 7-liter engines for the 1966 race. This strategic shift paid off spectacularly with a historic 1-2-3 podium sweep for Ford in 1966, sparking a dominant four-year winning streak that cemented the company's legendary status in motorsport history.