Ford GN34

The Ford GN34 was an ambitious mid-engine prototype developed by Ford in partnership with Yamaha and built in Italy by Ghia in 1985. This project aimed to create a high-performance sports car that could rival the mid-engine designs dominating the market during the 1980s. Though ultimately shelved, the GN34 program left a lasting legacy through its technological advancements and contributions to Ford’s engineering development. At the heart of the GN34 program was the Yamaha-developed 3.0-liter SHO V6 engine. To test this engine, a first-generation Ford EXP was modified as an early “test mule,” marking the beginning of the project. This unique setup involved adapting the compact EXP into a mid-engine layout, an unorthodox move that showcased Ford’s willingness to innovate. The modified EXP mules featured the SHO V6 mounted in the rear, visible beneath a bubble-style hatch, creating a striking and unconventional appearance. Two drivetrain configurations were developed for these prototypes. Some test mules were rear-wheel drive, with the Yamaha V6 mounted in the rear, while others were equipped with all-wheel drive to explore the potential of AWD performance in a sports car application. Engine displacement was also tested extensively, with the 3.0-liter V6 being expanded to 3.2, 3.4, and even 3.6 liters in some iterations. These engines were paired with ZF-5 transmissions, emphasizing the project’s focus on performance and dynamic driving capabilities. While the early prototypes were based on the Ford EXP, later stages of the GN34 program transitioned to custom-built designs, moving closer to the vision of a sleek and modern mid-engine sports car. As part of the design contest for the GN34, Ghia’s proposal ultimately won, leading to its selection for the final development. Italdesign also participated in the contest, submitting its own concept, the Ford Maya. Despite promising engineering efforts, the project was ultimately shelved in the late 1980s due to shifting corporate priorities and market conditions. Although the GN34 never reached production, the co-developed Yamaha V6 engine found new life in the Ford Taurus SHO, a high-performance sports sedan introduced in 1989. The Taurus SHO became a celebrated vehicle in its own right, carrying forward the spirit of the GN34 program and demonstrating the lasting impact of Ford’s collaboration with Yamaha.