Ford Mustang GTD Concept Leaked, Is the C8 in Trouble?

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【Summary】Ford has leaked details about the Mustang GTD, a mid-engine wide-bodied concept car with a V8 engine. The company intends to put the concept into limited production, but it is not expected to cannibalize sales of Ford's other mid-engine model, as production of that model has ended. The GTD features a front-mid-engine layout and various performance enhancements. It is rumored that Multimatic, the Canadian company that built the GT, will also be involved in making the GTD.

FutureCar Staff Aug 17, 2023 9:29 AM PT

Ford Mustang GTD Concept Leaked, Is the C8 in Trouble?

Leaked one day before its official premiere at Pebble Beach, the Mustang GTD is a wide-bodied pony car with a midship V8 and many other go-faster touches. To debut on August 17, the mid-engine concept was previewed to a handful of select people on August 14 at an event in Las Vegas.

Word has it Ford intends to put said concept into limited production. However, some wonder if the Mustang GTD would cannibalize sales of Ford's other mid-engine model. The answer is no, partly because production of the GT ended earlier this year. Only 30 units were assembled, with chassis number N260 being the final example.

Even if GT production were to continue, it's unlikely that customers would cross-shop a V6-powered supercar against a V8-powered supercar. The Mustang GTD reportedly features the Coyote V8 engine of the Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse, while the GT uses an EcoBoost V6.

Enthusiasts speculate that the GTD may have a front-mid-engine layout, given the vents in the hood and air ducts in the rear fenders. The concept's exterior is further enhanced by a rear wing, aerodynamic diffuser, red-painted brake calipers, and intricate-looking wheels.

No photos of the interior have been leaked, suggesting that the GTD may be a concept car without an interior. If the rumor is true, Multimatic, the Canadian outfit that built the GT, is expected to be tasked with making the GTD. This could mean a different platform from the front-engined Mustang.

As for competition, the GTD's production version is likely to incorporate a lot of carbon fiber, putting it in a higher price bracket than the Corvette. Estimates suggest a starting price of at least $200k, compared to the Z06 or E-Ray's $100k range.

With all these details in mind, what are your thoughts on the soon-to-be-revealed GTD? While it may be a great addition to Ford's lineup, some question if it truly deserves the Mustang badge.