The new Ford Mustang GTD, a high-performance masterpiece that’s built for the track and designed to compete with top European sports cars. This incredible car features a lightweight carbon-fiber body and cutting-edge aerodynamics, making it Ford’s most powerful roadster to date. It’s set to hit the market in limited quantities next year, initially available in North America. The inspiration behind the GTD was to create a Mustang that could rival the best sports cars from Europe.
Ford is pushing the boundaries with the GTD, aiming for a lap time of under seven minutes at the legendary Nurburgring track in Germany. This achievement would put the GTD in the same league as renowned European supercars like the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, and Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. The GTD was developed in collaboration with motorsport experts Multimatic, the same team behind the Ford GT supercar, and is a road-legal version of the Mustang GT3 that will compete in the Le Mans race next year.
Under the hood, the GTD boasts an impressively retuned, supercharged V8 engine that churns out over 811 horsepower, making it the most powerful Mustang ever created. This output surpasses even the mighty 709 horsepower of the 2019 Shelby GT500. The bespoke 5.2-liter engine is larger than the standard Mustang’s, with numerous racing-inspired modifications like a dry sump, dual air intakes, and a special titanium active-valve exhaust system.
Performance is optimized through a lightweight carbon fiber driveshaft and an eight-speed transaxle that replaces the traditional gearbox. This configuration ensures a nearly perfect weight distribution for enhanced handling. The GTD features semi-active suspension, allowing for variable spring rates and a lowered ride height in track mode. The front and rear axle designs are inspired by motorsport principles, emphasizing stiffness and responsiveness for an exceptional driving experience.
The GTD’s wider track and large front tires contribute to improved handling and stability. The aerodynamic package includes features like an adjustable rear wing, front splitter, and rear diffuser, all aimed at increasing downforce and stability at high speeds. Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic brakes designed to endure intense performance.
Inside the GTD, you’ll find a balance between a standard Mustang and a race car. While it retains the familiar infotainment system with digital displays and over-the-air software updates, some changes have been made to enhance its track-focused nature. The rear seats have been removed for weight reduction, and the front seats have been upgraded to road-ready Recaro bucket seats. Notably, the interior features unique rotary dials, build plaques, and paddle shifters made from titanium, repurposed from retired F22 fighter jets.
Ford hasn’t revealed the exact weight of the GTD, but thanks to its carbon body parts and lighter construction methods, it’s expected to be significantly lighter than the standard Mustang, which weighs around 1,768 kilograms. While the previous-generation Mustang was briefly available in India, Ford no longer offers new models in the Indian market.