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Roof
system can be configured as a coupe,
t-top, or full convertible,
while
the rear clamshell covering the engine has
been redesigned to feature two buttresses
that flow rearward from the seatbacks |
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APN/PR,
3rd November 2005.
With the 1966 Sebring-winning Ford
GTX1 roadster as inspiration, Ford SVT engineering
supervisor Kip Ewing unveiled last Tuesday his take on
that legendary racer during the opening day of the Specialty
Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.
Ewing conceived the idea for a roadster
while working on the Ford GT launch, and after completing
initial design sketches and engineering studies on his own
time, he won the privilege of utilizing the Ford’s SEMA
Technology Initiative to bring the Ford GTX1 roadster to
life.
“The Ford GT has been an
amazing automotive icon that I’ve had the pleasure to
work on,” said Ewing. “The X1 project is a great way
to answer the question, ‘What if?’ and utilize the
power of the SEMA’s members in the aftermarket to get it
done.
Ford’s SEMA Technology Initiative
began in 1999 with the sharing of technical drawings and
electrical schematics of the then-new Mustang. The
program has expanded over the years to include the
majority of Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles and
now provides three-dimensional CAD data to aftermarket
companies looking to develop parts and accessories. As
part of Ford’s initiatives to promote its vehicles to
SEMA members in the aftermarket, Ford supports a selection
of project vehicles to be built every year for the SEMA
Show, and the Ford GTX1 was one of them.
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Mid-engined
5.4L supercharged V-8, with 550-horsepower. |
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The builder chosen for the project is
Mark Gerisch of Genaddi Design Group (www.vgdauto.com),
an experienced designer and metal shaper that has a
history of cutting the roofs off expensive and exotic
cars. Ewing worked with Ford’s SEMA liaison team and
Ford Corporate Design to bring the OEM perspective to the
project, but working with Gerisch’s team in the
aftermarket was critical for success.
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Brembo
brakes, Pirelli tyres and carbon-fiber
trunk. |
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“The Ford GTX1 project is a great
example of manufacturers working together with the
aftermarket to stretch the boundaries and investigate
potential design and product innovation,” says Hau
Thai-Tang, director, Ford SVT and Advanced Product
Creation, and one of Ewing’s management supporters on
the X1. “SEMA showcases trends in styling, accessories,
and performance, and whether it’s a new Fusion, Mustang,
F-150 or Ford GT, there is something new to be learned by
going through this process.”
The X1 roadster features an innovative
roof system of four individual hard panels. The panels can
be configured as a coupe, t-top, or full convertible.
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Seats
by Sparco, Carbon fiber Ford GT custom. |
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Even with all the panels installed, the
outer panels can be locked into a vent position. Plus, the
panels are painted in the same Valencia Yellow featuring
Tungsten Silver stripes; therefore, as a coupe, it doesn’t
lose any of its design appeal. And, X1 drivers won’t be
caught in the rain because all four panels can be stored
inside the vehicle for easy access.
The Ford GTX1’s rear clamshell
covering the engine has been redesigned to feature two
buttresses that flow rearward from the seatbacks. Without
the need for a backlight due to its open-top
configuration, the view into the engine bay could have
gone away, but Ewing knew the importance of showcasing the
550-horsepower 5.4L supercharged V-8.
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Sony
Xplôd audio, built-in 1GB of flash memory
holds up to 500 songs. |
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Sony is using the Ford GTX1
roadster to showcase its latest product from its Xplôd
audio system product line. Music in the GTX1 comes
courtesy of the Sony Xplôd MEX-1GP “Giga Panel” AM/FM
CD receiver.
This new device allows users to
transfer their favorite MP3 and WMA files from virtually
any computer to the receiver’s detachable faceplate via
USB cable. Dubbed “Drag and Drive”, its built-in 1GB
of flash memory holds up to 500 songs for hours of
uninterrupted playback.
The answer to the inevitable question
of “Can I buy one?” is yes. All it will take is a trip
to a local Ford dealer to purchase a Ford GT, and then a
call to Genaddi Design Group, or visit www.gtx1.com.
Besides Genaddi Design Group, the Ford
GTX1 features several SEMA-member company products,
including:
Wheels |
6061 Alloy Corporation
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19-inch front
/20-inch rear
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Seats |
Sparco
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Carbon fiber
Ford GT custom
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Brakes |
Brembo
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Alum. mono-block/
two-piece rotors
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Tires |
Pirelli
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P-Zero Rosso
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Dampers |
Dynamic Dampers
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Adjustable coil-overs
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Trunk |
Multimatic
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Carbon Fiber
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Exhaust |
Ford Racing – Borla
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Interior trim |
WK Industries
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Paint |
Debeers
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Roof latching |
RMD
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Clam shell
cassette |
Manitowoc Composites
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