On April 1, 2026, the Ford GT Mk IV set a record-breaking time of 6:15.977 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the fastest time ever for an American car. This achievement has stirred up the competition between pure thermal engines and hybrid monsters.
Traditionally, it is the German cars loaded with hybrid and electric technology that set the pace on the Green Hell. However, this time, it was an all-American car, powered by a V6 petrol engine, that made headlines unlike ever before.
Ford sent an ultra-exclusive track-ready car to the Nürburgring Nordschleife, priced at over $1.7 million (approximately 1.6 million euros), setting a new record for an American car. This achievement is significant considering it is entirely based on thermal power, unlike many other cars on the leaderboard which are hybrids.
The Ford GT Mk IV finished the 20.8 km Nordschleife circuit in a remarkable 6:15.977 on April 1, 2026. Behind the wheel was Belgian driver Frédéric Vervisch, a double winner of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring and a track specialist. Ford clarified that this time was achieved in cold weather conditions, reaching a top speed limited to 192 mph, or 311 km/h, during the run.
With this time, the Ford GT Mk IV now ranks third overall in the history of the German circuit, only surpassed by the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo (5:19.546 in 2018) and the Volkswagen ID.R (6:05.336). This achievement positions the GT Mk IV as the fastest car ever signed by an American manufacturer at the Ring, as well as the quickest with a 100% thermal engine.
The production of the Ford GT Mk IV Nürburgring is limited to only 67 units, each priced at over $1.7 million, reserved for selected customers. This exclusive model marks a milestone in Ford’s history, emphasizing performance and track capability over hybrid technology.
Powered by a substantially revised twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivering over 800 hp, paired with a racing transmission and an extended wheelbase, the GT Mk IV impressively outshines other Ford models on the track. While the other Ford vehicles like the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck, the Transit SuperVan 4.2, and the Mustang GTD lag behind in lap times, the GT Mk IV stands out as a high-performance powerhouse.
The Ford GT Mk IV Nürburgring symbolizes a pinnacle of track-focused engineering and design, challenging the boundaries of traditional thermal engines against hybrid and electric prototypes. The question remains: which of the 67 fortunate owners will dare to push this Ford to its limits on the circuit and further engrave its name in the history of the Nürburgring.
