The Ford GT Mk IV has established a new benchmark for American performance vehicles, setting an official lap time at Germany’s famed Nurburgring Nordschleife. The track-focused machine completed the 12.9-mile circuit in 6 minutes and 15.977 seconds, securing its place as the fastest American car ever to lap the demanding course known as the Green Hell.
The record places the GT Mk IV among elite company globally. Its lap time ranks as the third fastest overall at the Nurburgring, underscoring the car’s capabilities against some of the most advanced performance vehicles in the world. Notably, it also stands as the quickest car powered solely by an internal combustion engine, distinguishing itself in an era increasingly dominated by hybrid and electric technologies.
Designed as a limited-production track car, the GT Mk IV represents the most extreme evolution of Ford’s modern GT platform. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost engine delivering an estimated 800 horsepower, paired with a racing transmission engineered for maximum performance under demanding conditions.
Production of the GT Mk IV was capped at just 67 units, reinforcing its exclusivity and collector appeal. Each example was offered to customers at a price of $1.7 million, positioning it as both a high-performance machine and a premium investment for enthusiasts.
The record-setting lap highlights Ford’s continued push into high-performance engineering and motorsports-inspired development. By achieving this milestone at one of the world’s most challenging tracks, the GT Mk IV not only reinforces the brand’s legacy but also sets a new standard for American-built track cars.
Shawn Henry