Ford Mustang GTD Concept Leaked, Should the C8 Be Concerned?

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【Summary】The leaked Ford Mustang GTD is a mid-engine widebody supercar concept with a V8 engine. It is set to debut on August 17 and may go into limited production. The GTD is not expected to cannibalize sales of Ford's other mid-engine model, as production of the GT has already ended. The GTD features the Coyote V8 engine and may have a front-mid-engine layout. It has a rear wing, aerodynamic diffuser, and carbon fiber components.

FutureCar Staff Aug 23, 2023 7:04 AM PT

Ford Mustang GTD Concept Leaked, Should the C8 Be Concerned?

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.

There are concerns about whether the Mustang GTD would cannibalize sales of Ford's other mid-engine model. However, this is unlikely to happen because production of the GT ended in the first half of 2023. Only a total of 18 units were assembled in January followed by a further 12 in February. The final example of the GT is chassis number N260, a superb car specified in Antimatter Blue with red brake calipers. Even if GT production were to continue, nobody 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 derived from the 3.5-liter unit available in the F-150. Some enthusiasts believe that the GTD features a front-mid-engine layout rather than a rear-mid-engine layout, based on the vents in the hood and the air ducts in the rear fenders. The concept is also equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rubber, red-painted brake calipers, and intricate-looking wheels. It has a ginormous rear wing and a large aerodynamic diffuser.

No photos of the interior have been leaked, and it is possible that there may not be an interior at all, considering it is a concept car. Rumors suggest that Multimatic, the Canadian outfit that built the GT, will also be tasked with making the GTD. If this is true, the GTD may be based on a different platform from the front-engined Mustang.

If the GTD is based on the S650, it would be manufactured on the same assembly line as the S650 at Flat Rock, which has been the Mustang's home since 2004. As for its competition, the C8 Corvette, there is no need for concern. The GTD's production version will likely incorporate a lot of carbon fiber, placing it in a higher price bracket than the Corvette. Estimates suggest a starting price of at least $200k, compared to the $100k range of the Z06 or E-Ray.

In conclusion, the Mustang GTD is an exciting addition to Ford's lineup. While it may be a worthy contender, there are questions about whether it truly deserves the Mustang badge. Only time will tell once the GTD is officially revealed.