In the words of Ricky Bobby, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.” Although he was just a character in a movie, no one can say that, after watching Talladega Nights, they weren’t a little more excited about racing. There’s just something about the pure adrenaline rush that the racing world brings forth—and if you’re one of the many who enjoys fast cars, you’ll find plenty of them beyond the silver screen.
In the Ford arsenal alone, it quickly becomes apparent that the Blue Oval knows a thing or two about going fast. As you pass by your local Ford dealer, pay attention: there may be a supercar on the lot, just waiting to thrill its first buyer. When you’re a speed-seeker, it’s important to find the cars that can keep up with this lifestyle—and rest assured: the following Fords can not only keep up but can break records.
Ford GT
Not everyone will get the chance to own a Ford GT, especially since Ford is extremely particular about who qualifies for this exclusive vehicle. There have been many enthusiasts who have applied for this supercar, but only a handful have been selected based on criteria set forth by the brand. It’s a lengthy application process, and many factors are considered, including social media following and your history with Ford; there are also many rules you must follow if you do get selected.
What makes the GT so exclusive? Well, it goes pretty darn fast.
Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, which makes 660 hp, the GT is a true supercar. Its carbon fiber body makes it lightweight and agile enough to blast past its competitors on the track, shooting from zero to sixty in a cool 3.0 seconds. Specially tuned suspension and damping systems allow it to hug the curves of the road with maximum precision, all while offering heightened control both on the road and the track.
Carbon-ceramic brakes provide the stopping power necessary for this speedster, while its aerodynamic body is designed not only for speed but also for exceptional handling that can’t be found in its rivals. A Le Mans winner, the GT name is solidified in history as being true excellence in motion—and if you ever get the chance to experience this supercar up close, make sure you savor every minute of it.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
Anyone who has ever seen Gone in 60 Seconds knows about Eleanor, the 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 that took Nicolas Cage on quite a wild ride at the end of the film. Fortunately, Eleanor’s clan can still be found on the road today, with some of the newer Mustang Shelby GT500s showcasing some pretty thrilling performances. Armed with a 5.2L supercharged V8, nicknamed “Predator,” this iconic performance car utilizes its 760 horses to catapult from zero to sixty in just 3.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest Fords you can find.
It’s a true legend, no matter where it goes, with its iconic design featuring sweeping body lines and a menacing stare. Accurate steering and handling make it a force to be reckoned with on the track, and with performance-level components, like a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a specialized suspension system, the Shelby GT500 takes no prisoners when it comes to racing. Adaptive dampers and killer cornering techniques allow this Ford superstar to blast past even some of the worthiest exotic race cars of all time, making it a true legend in the sport.
Ford Mustang Boss 302
Originally making its debut in 1969, the Mustang Boss 302 was a truly special Mustang. Destined for the racetrack with adrenaline coursing through its veins, the Boss 302 became the winner of the Trans-Am series in 1970. It showcased a famous racing look, complete with racing stripes running along the hood, as well as a quintessential muscle car grille and intimidating headlights. The Boss 302 was so popular, in fact, that Ford brought a special edition back for the 2012-2013 model year called the Laguna Seca. Only 750 of these special models were produced, offering highly-fortunate drivers the opportunity to enjoy a racing-inspired car that was also street-legal.
From a Torsen limited-slip rear differential to a fine-tuned suspension system, the Laguna Seca was meant to bring the racing experience to the streets without compromising on the features that made this car so great. With room for two, this true sports car delivered the thrills wherever it traveled, with 444 hp and a zero-to-sixty time of 4.0 seconds. With an intimidating roar the moment you place your foot on the pedal, the Boss 302 revamp precisely delivered exactly what Ford set out to achieve. Brembo brakes, electronically assisted steering, and a balanced chassis allowed the new Boss to resonate with drivers who thirsted for exhilaration behind the wheel.
Ford Mustang Bullitt
It originally became a household name in the 1968 film Bullitt—an action movie featuring a lengthy car chase around San Francisco—and it was so iconic that the brand resurrected it in 2019 to commemorate the film’s 50th anniversary. Armed with a 5.0L V8 engine, which showcased 475 horses at the helm of its journey, the Mustang Bullitt not only shot from zero to sixty in 4.4 seconds, but it also topped out at 163 mph.
A MagneRide semi-active suspension system was also available to improve its performance, offering the control and precision needed to operate this type of thrilling machine. Furthermore, a high-flow air intake allowed this Bullitt revamp to optimize its appeal on the track, helping to cool its jets efficiently and take advantage of maximum power.
There was a low mammalian growl resonating through the cabin, thanks to its recalibrated active exhaust, which created the ultimate experience behind the wheel for thrill seekers everywhere. Its six-speed manual transmission provided optimal control and excitement as it tore through the streets, and with responsive brakes and accurate steering, the Bullitt proved that it was born to perform.
Ford SVT Mustang Cobra
Last but certainly not least is the SVT Mustang Cobra, which showcased famous Ford engineering throughout and a look that screamed of street-legal excitement. Equipped with a 4.6L V8 in models like those from 2003, the Cobra could utilize its 390 horses to jet from zero to sixty in just 4.5 seconds.
Thanks to its mighty V8, the Cobra could be heard from a distance, alerting all passersby to its presence. With an aluminum drive shaft, limited-slip differential, and a specialized suspension system, the Cobra could not only perform like a true speed demon, but it offered superior control and agility to the experience that only Ford could deliver.
A Spirited Ride in These Ford Speedsters
When you have a need for speed, not every car is going to deliver the experience you demand, but Ford can do this effortlessly with its arsenal of sports cars just waiting to thrill you. There aren’t too many automakers in the industry that have offered a versatile array of high-performing cars quite like Ford, and this continues to set their brand apart.
The next time you drive past a Ford dealership, take a moment to glance at what resides on the lot; one of these icons may just be staring back at you—if you’re lucky. When it comes to speed, performance, agility, and the overall thrill of the ride, Ford knows exactly how to amplify the experience behind the wheel on both the road and the track.
