Blazing a Trail: The 18 Extremely Fast Fords Ever Built

Ford has long been synonymous with innovation and performance in the automotive world, and when it comes to speed, they’ve produced some truly remarkable machines. Let’s dive into the top 18 fastest Fords ever built and explore what makes each one a standout in the realm of high-performance vehicles.

1. **Ford GT (2005-2006)**: The mid-2000s saw the revival of Ford’s legendary GT model, a car that beautifully combined modern engineering with classic styling. With a supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower, the GT could reach speeds up to 205 mph, making it one of the fastest American cars of its time.

2. **2017 Ford GT**: Fast forward a decade, and Ford released an all-new GT that took the automotive world by storm. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost engine, the 2017 GT boasts 647 horsepower and a top speed of 216 mph. Its cutting-edge aerodynamics and race-bred technology make it a masterpiece of performance.

3. **Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (2020)**: Muscle car enthusiasts were thrilled with the 2020 Shelby GT500, which packed a monstrous 5.2-liter supercharged V8 under the hood, delivering 760 horsepower. This pony car could sprint to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and top out at 180 mph, proving that Mustangs can be both bold and blisteringly fast.

4. **Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 (2016)**: The GT350 wasn’t just about straight-line speed; it was a track-focused machine with a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V8 engine, producing 526 horsepower. Its top speed of 180 mph and exceptional handling capabilities made it a favorite among driving purists.

5. **Ford RS200 Evolution**: While not as well known as some other Fords, the RS200 Evolution was a homologation special built for rally racing in the 1980s. Its 2.1-liter turbocharged engine produced 600 horsepower, propelling this lightweight car to a top speed of 150 mph on gravel, proving its mettle in the competitive Group B rally class.

6. **Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R (2000)**: Developed by Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT), the Cobra R was a no-nonsense performance machine. With a 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 385 horsepower, it could achieve a top speed of 170 mph, making it one of the fastest Mustangs of its era.

7. **Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase III**: An Australian legend, the Falcon XY GTHO Phase III was the fastest four-door car in the world when it was released in 1971. Its 5.8-liter V8 engine delivered 300 horsepower, enabling it to reach a top speed of 141 mph, which was extraordinary for its time.

8. **Ford Torino Talladega**: In the late 1960s, Ford produced the Torino Talladega as a homologation special for NASCAR. With a 428-cubic-inch V8 engine, it was capable of speeds over 140 mph on the track, dominating the stock car racing scene and securing its place in automotive history.

9. **Ford GT40 (1964-1969)**: The GT40 is not only iconic for its design but also for its performance. With various engines over its production years, including a 7.0-liter V8, it achieved speeds over 200 mph. Most famously, it conquered the 24 Hours of Le Mans four consecutive times from 1966 to 1969.

10. **Ford Focus RS (2016)**: The third-generation Focus RS brought rally-inspired performance to the road with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine producing 350 horsepower. Its all-wheel-drive system and dynamic handling allowed it to reach a top speed of 165 mph, making it a favorite among hot hatch enthusiasts.

11. **Ford Mustang Bullitt (2019)**: Paying homage to the iconic movie car from the 1968 film “Bullitt”, the 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt is a modern rendition that combines nostalgia with performance. Equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 480 horsepower, it achieves a top speed of 163 mph. With its dark Highland Green paint and retro styling cues, the Bullitt is a hit among car enthusiasts who appreciate both speed and cinematic history.

12. **Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe (1989-1995)**: A staple of Ford’s performance history, the Thunderbird Super Coupe featured a 3.8-liter supercharged V6 engine that delivered 210 horsepower in its early years, later upgraded to 230 horsepower. What made this car special was its blend of luxury and performance, reaching a top speed of 140 mph, making it a favorite among those who wanted a blend of comfort and speed.

13. **Ford Escort RS Cosworth (1992-1996)**: Originally designed as a rally car, the Ford Escort RS Cosworth made waves with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produced 227 horsepower. With its signature “whale tail” spoiler and all-wheel-drive system, the vehicle could reach speeds up to 144 mph, making it a standout in the world of rally-inspired road cars.

14. **Ford Taurus SHO (Super High Output) (1989-1999)**: The Ford Taurus SHO was no ordinary sedan. Boasting a Yamaha-sourced 3.0-liter V6 engine that revved to 7,000 RPM, this sleeper car produced 220 horsepower, allowing it to reach a top speed of 143 mph. It was a pioneer in the high-performance family sedan category, offering an unexpected punch on the highway.

15. **Ford Explorer ST (2020)**: Not all performance vehicles are low to the ground. The Explorer ST redefines the speed potential of an SUV with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower, enabling it to sprint to a top speed of 143 mph. It combines the practicality of an SUV with Ford’s performance engineering, appealing to those who need space but crave speed.

16. **Ford Fiesta ST (2014)**: Compact yet mighty, the Fiesta ST houses a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 197 horsepower. This hot hatch is known for its nimble handling and peppy acceleration, propelling drivers to a top speed of 144 mph. The Fiesta ST is adored for bringing affordable performance to the masses.

17. **Ford Focus ST (2013)**: As the more powerful sibling of the Fiesta ST, the Focus ST features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 252 horsepower. This gives it the ability to reach a top speed of 155 mph, setting it apart in the competitive hot hatch segment with its potent mix of speed, agility, and everyday usability.

18. **Ford F-150 Lightning (2022)**: In the realm of electric vehicles, the F-150 Lightning emerges as a groundbreaking entrant. This all-electric pickup boasts up to 563 horsepower with its dual-motor setup, achieving a top speed of 105 mph. While it doesn’t match its combustion counterparts in raw speed, its instant torque and rapid acceleration redefine what’s expected from a pickup truck.

In the fast lane of automotive evolution, Ford has continuously blazed trails with these high-speed marvels. Each model, from muscle cars to modern SUVs and electric trucks, showcases Ford’s commitment to innovation in performance, ensuring that enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike can experience the thrill of speed.

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