Ford unleashes special-edition lightweight Carbon Series GT supercar

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The GT from Ford Motor Co. makes frequent use of carbon fiber to save weight, but a special edition of the supercar goes one step further.

The automaker introduced a special edition Carbon Series GT for the 2019 model year that is 40 lbs. Lighter than the standard supercar, thanks to carbon fiber wheels, a titanium exhaust, titanium wheel nuts and a polycarbonate tailgate with additional venting. Ford said it contained more visible carbon fiber than any other previous GT model, with two exposed carbon fiber stripes with matching A-pillars and lower body panels next to the shiny wheels. Inside, the car comes with matt carbon door sills, air register pods and center console.

The special edition was unveiled as part of the 2018 Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas.

"It's another example of how we can bring our Le Mans-winning supercar to life in new and exciting ways so that our customers can share in that magical legacy," said Hermann Salenbauch, Ford's worldwide director.

The vehicle, priced from about $ 450,000, comes with air conditioning, a radio and the Sync 3 infotainment system – facilities that previously fell out of the Competition Series GTs to save. However, no cup holders or a storage compartment for the driver's side are available.

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The Carbon Series GTs can be ordered with mirror caps with accent, calipers and a center line in red, orange, blue or silver.

Ford has not set a limit on the number of Carbon Series GTs to be built, although it is estimated that if demand is high, it can produce one per week.

The automaker earlier this month said it would build another 350 GTs over two extra model years, resulting in a total production of 1,350 over a period of six years. Order banks reopen 8 Nov.