Ford recalls its $140,000 GT supercar for safety defect
By Eric Mayne / The Detroit News
Ford Motor Co. is recalling its $140,000 Ford GT supercar to repair a defect that could cause loss of control, the automaker confirmed today.
Nearly 450 vehicles - all Ford GTs built to date - are affected by a suspension component problem that originated with a supplier, said spokeswoman Kristen Kinley. The component is subject to cracking because of a casting process error.
"If it cracks, it could cause the wheel to become unstable," said Kinley, who would not identify the supplier. "And if the wheel becomes unstable at high speed, that's a safety issue.
The defect was discovered during a pre-delivery inspection of a single car. Of 448 vehicles affected by the reall, 111 are in the hands of private owners. Ford has contacted these owners and warned them not to drive their cars until the automaker determines how to fix the problem, Kinley said.
Ford will pick up those vehicles that are in private hands, she added.
The remaining cars are at dealerships or the assembly site in Wixom.
Ford has also told dealers not to allow test drives until their vehicles have been repaired, Blue Oval News reported Sunday.
The Ford GT was rushed into production to mark the automaker's centennial in 2003. It went from the drawing board to the street in less than 18 months - about half the time of a normal vehicle development program.
Three cars were hand-built for Ford's 100-year anniversary. Engineers then went back to work on the production car.
The 550-hp two-seater, which has a certified top speed of 205 mph, went into full production earlier this year as a 2005 model.
http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosins...utos-37905.htm
Ford recalls Ford GT
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