If that were not enough indication of Ford's 'Win on Sunday, sell on Monday' racing ambitions, the XW also included the introduction, in August 1969, of the legendary GT-HO specification. The GT-HO was a homologation specially built for racing. Externally, it was almost indistinguishable from a standard GT, but offered a higher-performance engine and improved suspension— although the 'HO' stood for 'Handling Option', the cars also gained larger Holley carburettors and other performance additions. The Phase I or 'Windsor HO' was fitted with the 351 in3 Windsor V8, but was replaced a year later with the 351 Cleveland, producing in the Phase II GT-HO. Phase II GT-HO wheels featured a new five-slot design.