The track-focused Ford GT Mk IV has set an astonishing benchmark by outpacing the street-legal Mercedes-AMG One by a staggering 13 seconds, challenging even the fastest electric vehicles built for purpose.
- Ford GT Mk IV has claimed the title of the fastest American OEM to conquer the Nürburgring.
- With a remarkable lap time of 6:15.977, it is the quickest gas-powered car in the history of the ‘Ring.
- Only two specially-designed electric vehicles have surpassed its speed.
When Ford initially introduced the third-generation GT, the automotive world was taken by surprise. Now, as production of this iconic model comes to a close, it has delivered one last, unforgettable performance. The track-only Ford GT Mk IV has etched its name into history by timing a lap of the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife at an astonishing 6:15.977.
This exceptional time places it ahead of every other vehicle brand from Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, or Cadillac that has faced off against the notoriously demanding German circuit. Remarkably, the GT Mk IV stands as the third-fastest vehicle— regardless of its classification— to complete the 12.9-mile course, further enhancing its legendary status.
Frédéric Vervisch, a Nürburgring specialist with numerous accolades, was behind the wheel during this record-setting lap. Despite facing chilly conditions and a capping speed of 192 mph (311 km/h), Vervisch masterfully steered the formidable 800-horsepower GT Mk IV around the track. This effort resulted in a lap time nearly 14 seconds quicker than the street-legal Mercedes-AMG One, a feat that underscores the GT Mk IV’s raw power.
However, it’s worth noting that the Mercedes-AMG One clocked a 6:29.050 lap in 2024, maintaining its status as the fastest production car to navigate the circuit, an achievement that excludes track-only models like the GT Mk IV from the same classification.
The timing of this accomplishment is particularly poignant. It has been a decade since Ford launched the third-gen GT, which triumphed in its class at Le Mans. While many anticipated a subdued retirement for the veteran model, Ford has instead chosen to make its departure a memorable statement, highlighting that, even at the twilight of its production, the GT Mk IV remains a transformative vehicle in the automotive landscape.
To provide some context for its remarkable achievement, the two vehicles that have surpassed the GT Mk IV are the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo, which recorded a jaw-dropping 5:19.546 lap in 2018, and the all-electric Volkswagen ID.R, which set a time of 6:05.336. Yet, both of these vehicles belong to prototype classes, which means they do not compete as standard production models.
This distinction emphasizes the remarkable engineering of the Ford GT Mk IV, which, while not street-legal, is still a commercially available model, offering enthusiasts a chance to own a piece of racing history. Powered by a reengineered version of Ford’s EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, it bestows upon the GT Mk IV the title of the fastest gas-powered car to ever complete the famous track.
Not only does this place it ahead of competitors like the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Prototype (6:22.091) and the limited-run Lotus Evija Hypercar (6:24.047), but it also highlights its competitive edge within the demanding realm of high-performance automobiles. The closest gas-powered competitor is the Manthey-spec Porsche 991 GT2 RS, which took 6:43.300 to complete the same challenging lap.
As the exclusive 67 owners of this awe-inspiring machine prepare to unleash its full potential on the track—an environment it was clearly designed for—it’s an exciting time for both Ford enthusiasts and the automotive community as a whole. The legend of the Ford GT continues to inspire and elevate the standards of speed and performance.
