FAB WHEELS DIGEST (F.W.D.): Ford GT (2004-06)

The Ford GT is an American mid-engine two-seater sports car produced by the Ford Motor Company in the 2004 to 2006 model years. The designers drew inspiration from Ford's GT40 (see photos below) racing cars of the 1960s. It began as a concept car in 2002 designed in anticipation of the automaker's centennial year.

The GT is similar in outward appearance to the original Ford GT40 cars, but bigger, wider, and most importantly 3 in (76 mm) taller than the original 40 in (100 cm). Although the cars are visually related, structurally, there is no similarity between the modern GT and the 1960s GT40 that inspired it. Of the 4,500 GTs originally planned. Production ended in 2006 with a grand total of 4,038 units were built.

Powered by a 5.4 L Supercharged Modular V8. 6-speed manual transmission that produces 550hp, the Ford GT features many new and unique technologies, including superplastic-formed frame, aluminum body panels, roll-bonded floor panels, a friction stir welded center tunnel, a "ship-in-a-bottle" gas tank, a capless fuel filler system, one-piece door panels, and an aluminum engine cover with a one-piece carbon-fiber inner panel. 0–60 mph (0–96 km/h) took 3.8 seconds. Top speed: electronically limited to 205 mph (330 km/h). A modified roadster version of the GT, the Ford GTX1, was displayed at the 2005 SEMA Auto Show. (wikipedia)

Update February 2015: A completely redesigned Ford GT is planned to enter production in 2016. (wikipedia)