2005 Ford GTX1 Roadster

The Ford GTX1 assignment marries Ford layout and engineering innovation, one engineer's private creativity and commitment, and the quickness and functionality of the aftermarket

The X1 roadster can come to be fact for the fanatics who choice world-magnificence performance, a bendy roof gadget for open-air driving, and one-of-a-type outside styling

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 1, 2005 - With the 1966 Sebring-triumphing Ford GTX1 roadster as inspiration, Ford SVT engineering manager Kip Ewing unveiled his tackle that mythical racer in the course of the outlet day of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. Ewing conceived the concept for a roadster whilst operating at the Ford GT launch, and after finishing preliminary layout sketches and engineering research on his personal time, he gained the privilege of utilising the Ford's SEMA Technology Initiative to deliver the Ford GTX1 roadster to life.

"The Ford GT has been an super automobile icon that I've had the satisfaction to paintings on," stated Ewing. "The X1 assignment is a remarkable manner to reply the query, 'What if?' and make use of the strength of the SEMA's contributors withinside the aftermarket to get it done.

Ford's SEMA Technology Initiative commenced in 1999 with the sharing of technical drawings and electric schematics of the then-new Mustang. The software has improved over time to consist of the bulk of Ford and Lincoln Mercury automobiles and now gives third-dimensional CAD information to aftermarket organizations seeking to broaden components and accessories. As a part of Ford's projects to sell its automobiles to SEMA contributors withinside the aftermarket, Ford helps a choice of assignment automobiles to be constructed each 12 months for the SEMA Show, and the Ford GTX1 became one in all them.

The builder selected for the assignment is Mark Gerisch of Genaddi Design Group (www.vgdauto.com), an skilled fashion dressmaker and steel shaper that has a records of reducing the roofs off costly and exceptional cars. Ewing labored with Ford's SEMA liaison group and Ford Corporate Design to deliver the OEM attitude to the assignment, however operating with Gerisch's group withinside the aftermarket became essential for success.

"The Ford GTX1 assignment is a remarkable instance of producers operating collectively with the aftermarket to stretch the limits and inspect capacity layout and product innovation," says Hau Thai-Tang, director, Ford SVT and Advanced Product Creation, and one in all Ewing's control supporters at the X1. "SEMA showcases tendencies in styling, accessories, and performance, and whether or not it is a brand new Fusion, Mustang, F-a hundred and fifty or Ford GT, there may be some thing new to be found out through going via this process."

The X1 roadster functions an revolutionary roof gadget of 4 character difficult panels. The panels may be configured as a coupe, t-pinnacle, or complete convertible. Even with all of the panels installed, the outer panels may be locked right into a vent position. Plus, the panels are painted withinside the identical Valencia Yellow presenting Tungsten Silver stripes; therefore, as a coupe, it would not lose any of its layout appeal. And, X1 drivers might not be stuck withinside the rain due to the fact all 4 panels may be saved withinside the automobile for clean access.

The Ford GTX1's rear clamshell overlaying the engine has been redesigned to characteristic buttresses that waft rearward from the seatbacks. Without the want for a backlight because of its open-pinnacle configuration, the view into the engine bay may want to have long gone away, however Ewing knew the significance of showcasing the 550-horsepower 5.4L supercharged V-8.

The solution to the inevitable query of "Can I purchase one?" is yes. All it's going to take is a ride in your nearby Ford supplier to buy a Ford GT, after which a name to Genaddi Design Group, or go to www.gtx1.com.

Besides Genaddi Design Group, the Ford GTX1 functions numerous SEMA-member enterprise products, including:

Wheels: 6061 Alloy Corporation 19-inch front/20-inch rearSeats: Sparco Carbon fiber Ford GT customBrakes: Brembo Alum. mono-block/-piece rotorsTires: Pirelli P-Zero RossoDampers: Dynamic Dampers Adjustable coil-oversTrunk: Multimatic Carbon FiberExhaust: Ford Racing - BorlaInterior trim: WK IndustriesPaint: DebeersRoof latching: RMDClam shell cassette: Manitowoc Composites

Sony is the usage of the Ford GTX1 roadster to exhibit its trendy product from its Xplôd audio gadget product line. Music withinside the GTX1 comes courtesy of the Sony Xplôd MEX-1GP "Giga Panel" AM/FM CD receiver. This new tool permits customers to certainly switch their preferred MP3 and WMA documents from honestly any pc to the receiver's removable faceplate thru USB cable. Dubbed "Drag and Drive", its integrated 1GB of flash reminiscence holds as much as 500 songs for hours of uninterrupted playback.