Ford car that was being dubbed a $2 billion failure shuts the world up as it does something incredible with its speed
Published on Sep 19, 2026 at 12:02 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Sep 19, 2026 at 12:02 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
For a long while, this Ford car was branded a $2 billion failure – but it silenced all of its critics in one incredible move.
What better place to show off speed than Nürburgring?
The Ford GT Mk IV certainly had a lot to prove when it took to the track, having been widely criticized.
After this demonstration of speed, all of the Mk IV’s naysayers will be eating their words alongside an ample serving of humble pie.
Why was the Ford GT Mk IV given such a hard time?
On the face of it, it does seem harsh that this Ford car was raked over the coals the way it was.
Well, for some Ford fans, their disappointment came from a place of love.
After, the Ford GT Mk IV was intended to be a final hurrah for the supercar, but that had been diminished by the fact it was not road legal and limited to 67 units.
This left a bad taste in some people’s mouths, as they thought the car deserved a better send-off than this.
The car costing $1.7 million left some feeling as if though the car was too exclusive.
In the defense of the car, some of the criticism lobbed its way is a little unfair.
Take for example the moniker of ‘$2 billion failure’.
This goes to the news that Ford lost $2 billion in 2022, largely down to the operating costs of its electric vehicle business, CNBC reported.
So it can really put down to rotten timing that the Mk IV came out just as these disappointing figures were reported in the press.
At any rate, mud sticks and so the Mk IV had a point to prove.
This Ford car went from ‘$2 billion failure’ to unmistakable success
Two-time Nürburgring 24 Hours winner Frédéric Vervisch was at the wheel of the car back in April.
It is now cemented in automotive history as the third-fastest car to take on the German track.
The only cars out ahead of it were the Porsche 919 Hybrid EVO and Volkswagen ID.R.
The race car blitzed the circuit, setting a lap time of 6m 15.977s.
While it may have been the third fastest, it was the fastest American car – so that’s certainly a success worth toasting.
“Every input is met with an immediate, precise response,” Vervisch said of his lap.
“Through the Kesselchen, over the Flugplatz, it just inspires confidence.
“To set these records is a dream come true, a testament to what’s possible when passion meets precision.”
Everyone who dismissed this car as a failure or slandered its name online has just one question to answer – do they take their humble pie hot or cold?
Iconic Ford models that defined decades
1965 Ford Mustang: The car that created the pony car segment
1985 Ford Escort RS Cosworth: Turbocharged rally icon with a huge wing
1990 Ford Taurus SHO: A sleeper sedan with Yamaha-tuned V6
1999 Ford SVT Lightning: Performance pickup before it was cool
2004 Ford GT: Modern recreation of the GT40 legend
2017 Ford GT (2nd Gen): Track-focused halo car with Le Mans pedigree
2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E: Ford’s leap into electric SUVs
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
