Was the Ford GT90 better than the McLaren F1?

The GT40's spiritual successor was an early hypercar.

2y ago
30.1K

In 1995, Ford unveiled a mid-engined supercar to succeed the legendary GT40. This concept car was built in secret over a six-month period and used the chassis, transmission and other parts from the incredible Jaguar XJ220. Unfortunately, the production car never saw the light of day, leaving the remaining, single GT90 to be buried in the pages of history.

Incredible engineering & performance

The 6.0L quad-turbocharged V12 was able to produce 720hp and 660lb-ft (895Nm) of torque, allowing for 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 253mph (407kmh); figures that dwarf those of the McLaren.

With a 5-speed manual, aluminium monocoque chassis and a carbon-fibre body, the GT90 had a kerb weight of just 3200lbs (1451kg). This may be significantly heavier than the McLaren, however, it was due to important elements such as the anti-heat ceramic tiles (sourced from NASA's space shuttles) positioned around the exhaust and the adaptive spoiler mechanisms.

Timeless Exterior Styling

McLaren intended for their F1 to be functional, the taillights are four circles and the quad-exhausts are simple. Ford's GT90 is over 20 years old and still looks modern today, the design was simply lightyears ahead of its time.

The blue-tint windscreen curves high up above the driver's head, which is an uncommon sight in any car. The exhausts are housed in individual triangles, thereby styling the GT90 to be more spaceship than car. A third brake light extends across the width of the car, foreshadowing a similar trend that Bentley's Continental GT and Audi's A5 would follow decades later.

A few styling cues also give the vehicle a retro appearance. For example, the deep dish wheel design is reminiscent to the Miura P400 SV, the egg-shaped wing mirrors are from a vintage scooter and the side skirt decals continue the trend that the Shelby GT350 popularised.

Exceptional Interior Design

Ford could have made the cabin the same an entry-level Mondeo to save costs and people still would have bought it, but they didn't. Instead, it's an indigo leather-lined cockpit with metal trim and minimal plastic. The gear lever mechanisms were exposed, thereby allowing for a satisfying clunk to be audible between gear changes.

It even had a radio and countless air conditioning adjustments like the average, entry-level luxury car of the time. The most notable feature would be the blind spot monitors in the wing mirrors: a feature that would not become common until two decades later.

Everlasting Legacy & McLaren

With two of the greatest cars ceasing to exist (Jaguar XJ220 and Ford GT40), the GT90 could have carried on both of these cars' legacies into the 2000s and beyond. The 2004 and 2017 Ford GT models were certainly brilliant, however, this would have been brilliant as a limited run of exclusive vehicles.

Weighed against the McLaren F1, the GT90 is better by design, performance and heritage. The F1 bears McLaren's legacy whilst the GT90 carries on both Ford's and Jaguar's through its origins and components respectively. However, was it truly twice the car the McLaren was?

Conclusion

Would you rather own the Ford GT90 or the McLaren F1? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Join In

Comments (120)

  • Looks amazing and sounds quick too however nothing compared to the mclaren f1

      2 years ago
    • They certainly were both brilliant cars, although how do you feel the McLaren was better?

        2 years ago
    • Apart from the fact that it got into production it was very driver oriented it had the driver in the middle so that they aren't obstructed by the wheel arch. It was na to provide instant power and it genuinely provided performance figures...

      Read more
        2 years ago
  • I'm not so sure about "timeless styling". Timeless as in admirable as an aesthetic time-capsule to the retro-futurist days of old, but I can say with absolute certainty you can tell when this was conceptualized.

      2 years ago
    • Now that I look back on it, I do agree with you. Maybe if those retro details I mentioned are addressed it will look more updated.

        2 years ago
    • Yes, it does look dated. The 1st GT, on the other hand, looks at once both classic and modern. A proper tribute to the original GT40 design

        2 years ago
  • McLaren was 200% better with the styling

      2 years ago
  • This looks nothing like timeless. This was conceptualized in the 90s and should stay in the 90s. Most hideous thing I've seen even the Multipla is better looking than this nonsense.

      2 years ago
    • The styling really is a hit or miss, some people really like it whilst others don’t. Anyways I appreciate you reading! 😂

        2 years ago
  • Nope

      2 years ago
120