A production version of Ford’s sensational GT supercar will be shown at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney in October, joining probably the strongest line-up of supercars ever seen at an Australian motor show.

The new GT, appearing in Australia for the first time since its unveiling as a concept car in 2002, is a modern day interpretation of the legendary GT40 sports car which won the Le Mans 24 Hour race four times in the 1960s.

The GT will compete for headlines with the Maserati MC12, Ferrari’s 612 Scaglietti, Porsche’s Carrera GT, the Koenigsegg CCR, Pagani Zonda and Australia’s own Joss Super Car – all capable of speeds in excess of 300km/h.

Billed the "pace car for an entire company", the Ford GT is powered by an all-aluminium, 5.4-litre supercharged MOD V8 engine, producing 410kW and 678Nm of torque – outputs comparable to those of the 7.0 litre engine that won Le Mans in 1966 and ‘67.

Although at first glance the new production car and the original Le Mans racer look very similar, they do not share a single dimension.

The new car is more than 450mm longer and stands nearly 100mm taller.

In the tradition of the original Ford GT racers, the doors are cut into the roof, while prominent scoops on the leading edge of the rear quarter panel channel fresh air to the engine.

The GT’s profile combines the integrated "ducktail" spoiler of the original race car with modern, race-inspired ground effects ducting under the rear fascia to create down-force and keep the car stable at speed.

An immensely stiff aluminium space frame chassis provides a platform for exceptional handling, while aluminium and carbon fibre body panels ensure light weight.

The new Ford GT has been, from the outset, intended for the road – unlike the original 1960s race cars that ultimately spawned a limited number of road cars.

The interior design incorporates the novel ventilated seats and instrument layout of the original car, with modern touches such as AM/FM stereo with CD player; driver and passenger front air bags; power mirrors and windows; air conditioning and remote keyless entry.

Production is limited to 1,500 left-hand drive models a year, with Ford Australia saying there are no plans to sell the car here.

The GT will take pride of place on the Ford stand, along with a production version of the FPV F6 Typhoon.

The opening of the Australian International Motor Show at Darling Harbour on 7th October (5PM) will see the debut of dozens of all new, redesigned and updated production models, as well as numerous concept car designs.