Ford GT poster-boy for Forza Motorsport 6

Ford has signed a collaborative deal with Microsoft to populate the next Forza game with performance vehicles including the Ford GT – which will also adorn its cover.

Cementing itself in the global gamer psyche, the Ford GT will be seen every time gamers loft the game or look at the disc, a car that was first seen at the 2015 Detroit motor show. Powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 worth around 450kW, the new ultra-high performance car from Ford was a logical choice for Microsoft and developer Turn 10 Studios to help promote Forza Motorsport 6.

"It is an honour to share this historic moment with Ford and celebrate the legacy of the GT by making it the featured cover car of Forza Motorsport 6," said Phil Spencer, Head of Microsoft's Xbox division.

It was also revealed that Ford's performance vehicle line-up will appear in Forza Motorsport 6. This includes the GT supercar, Shelby GT350 Mustang and F-150 Raptor, which also made their debuts at the 2015 Detroit motor show.

"We can’t wait to share more details on the game later this year," he hinted, suggesting we may see cars like the upcoming third-generation Ford Focus RS make their digital debut in the game.

As "First in Forza" vehicles, global fans will have the opportunity to virtually experience the cars when they debut in Forza Motorsport 6, available exclusively for Xbox One.

"Working with Microsoft and Turn 10 Studios allows us to share our all-new GT supercar with an unprecedented global audience, giving fans an opportunity to virtually experience the beauty, thrill and innovation of Ford's performance line-up," said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development.

Hopefully players of Forza Motorsport 6 will get an authentic (as authentic as sitting on your couch can be) feel for cars such as the GT.  According to Ford the GT showcases material and technology innovations to help better serve drivers, such as active aerodynamics, light weighting with a carbon-fibre passenger cell and carbon-ceramic brake discs.

We will have to wait until June's 2015 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles before we can even get our virtual bum in the virtual seat of the GT however.

"Just as Ford has pushed the boundaries of car technology in GT, Forza Motorsport 6 will embrace that spirit of innovation as our most technically advanced racing simulation to date, offering a fun and realistic automotive experience for both car lovers and gamers," said Dan Greenawalt, creative director at Turn 10 Studios.

"We're excited to unveil gameplay at E3 in June," he said.