The 647 hp GT is no longer the flagship of the Ford line-up; at least not in the video game world. The company introduced a virtual race car called Team Fordzilla P1, which explores what a track-bred hypercar might look like in a few decades. It’s not going to production, but enthusiasts will have the chance to race it.
Ford noted that gamers from all over the world were instrumental in designing the P1. In particular, they chose the seating position, the type of dashboard it is equipped with, and the drivetrain that powers it. Blue Oval engineers then used these suggestions to create the final product, which was unveiled at the GamesCom 2020 event.
Written by Arturo Ariño, one of the company’s exterior stylists, the final design stands out with a low-profile front dominated by LED lighting and illuminated Ford emblem, a transparent roof, partially covered rear wheels and a rear that is almost completely visible is. It also has shape-shifting panels that allow racers to lengthen the body for long, fast-track circuits (such as Le Mans) or shorter for narrower circuits such as Monaco.
Blue lights mysteriously embedded in the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires add a futuristic touch to the design, although Ford has not revealed what they are for. We also don’t know what the P1 looks like inside, or what it is powered by. Sounds like it uses a combustion engine, but exhaust tips are nowhere to be seen. It seems there is enough space between the passenger compartment and the Batmobile-esque rear for a big enough engine, although we don’t expect anything bigger than a V8. Hybrid technology is also possible.
Ford retired from GT racing in 2019 and we have no reason to believe he will return to Le Mans with anything resembling the P1. It is currently preparing to tackle the 2020 edition of the Baja 1000 with the Bronco R. It has announced it is in “ advanced talks ” about making its virtual racer available in what it described as “ a beloved game, ” and it asked its German division to build a life-size version of the car in late 2020.
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