Ford GT Named Most Significant Concept Vehicle

 

The Ford GT picked up the award as the Most Significant Concept Vehicle of 2015, the latest acclaim for the ultramodern sports car.

 

The Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup and Mercedes-Benz F015 autonomous car also got recognition as two of the best concept cars unveiled at auto shows over the last year. The awards were given out by the North American Concept Vehicle of the Year jury, a group of about 30 automotive journalists, including myself, at the Concours d' Elegance of America held  today in Plymouth.

 

In the tradition of the best concept vehicles, all three provide a window into the styling and technology future vehicles will use. Automakers build concept cars to showcase their latest ideas and generate excitement for their brands and upcoming models.

 

I’d have been stunned if the Ford GT didn’t win, even though, strictly speaking, it’s not a concept car because Ford announced it would build the radical sports car when the GT debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit last January.

 

The GT’s looks and technology were the talk of the show. Its radical style sets Ford on a new path, as does its extremely high-output Ecoboost V6 engine and extensive use of lightweight carbon fiber. The GT won the award as best production preview concept in addition to the overall award as most significant. Ford also won the award for most significant concept with the 2006 Reflex hybrid sport coupe.