Ford GT to be reborn again: report

Ford first introduced a road-going version of its 1960s, Le Mans-winning Ford GT40 back in 2005. The car was fastidiously modelled on the famous racer, and although its overall height was more than 40 inches (hence 'GT40'), enthusiasts were happy to see a new version that looked almost the same as the original, and one that could be driven on the streets.

The reborn version also saw the additional of creature comforts over the race car, such as electronic controls and air conditioning. Being born in 2005 also meant up-to-date technology could be administered throughout, so the engine was no longer a 7.0-litre V8 as per some race car versions - the road car got a fuel-injected, double overhead cam, 5.4-litre supercharged V8. This engine offered 410kW of power and 678Nm of torque. Around 4038 of these cars were sold during 2005 and 2006.

Rumours say a new model could get an engine just as hairy-chested as the reborn edition - still offering supercharged V8 specifications - but also backed up by hybrid technology. Speculators say power output would be in the vicinity of 450kW of combined power. The new engine would also be linked to a Stop/Start system to further reiterate the car's attention to new emission standards to be set in place in the near future.

It's expected the next-generation Ford GT - if the rumours are true, and if it will carry the same 'Ford GT' nameplate - will weigh in at around 1400kg and hold the potential to sprint from 0-100km/h in around 3.0 seconds and go on to a top speed in excess of 320km/h.

We hope Ford is thinking of introducing an all-new supercar, especially one that would use some form of hybrid technology to rival the likes of Porsche's 918 and Jaguar's C-X75 concepts; it's always great to see environmentally conscious designs mixing it with performance-focused developments.