Ford Mustang GTD Mid-Engine Widebody Supercar Concept Leaked, Should the C8 Be Worried? New title: Impending Threat to the C8

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【Summary】The leaked Ford Mustang GTD is a mid-engine widebody concept with a V8 engine. It may be put into limited production and is not expected to cannibalize sales of Ford's other mid-engine model. The GTD features a front-mid-engine layout, has various go-faster touches, and incorporates carbon fiber, placing it in a different price bracket than the Corvette. The production version is expected to be priced around $200k. The GTD's worthiness of the Mustang badge is questioned.

FutureCar Staff Aug 18, 2023 6:48 AM PT

Ford Mustang GTD Mid-Engine Widebody Supercar Concept Leaked, Should the C8 Be Worried?

New title: Impending Threat to the C8

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, there are concerns about whether the Mustang GTD would cannibalize sales of Ford's other mid-engine model. The answer is no, partly because production of the GT ended in the first half of 2023. Only 18 units were assembled in January followed by another 12 in February. The final example of the GT, chassis number N260, is 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. Some enthusiasts believe that the GTD features a front-mid-engine layout rather than a rear-mid-engine layout, pointing to the vents in the hood as evidence. The air ducts in the rear fenders may be for cooling the rear brakes. The concept is pictured on what appears to be Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rubber, with red-painted brake calipers and intricate-looking wheels. A large rear wing and aerodynamic diffuser complete the aggressive look of the GTD.

No photos of the interior have been leaked so far, and based on the heavily tinted windows, it is possible that there may not be an interior at all, which is typical for a concept car. Rumor has it that Multimatic, the Canadian outfit that built the GT, will be tasked with making the GTD. If true, the GTD may have a different platform from the front-engined Mustang. If it were based on the S650, Ford would manufacture the GTD on the same assembly line as the S650, as Flat Rock has been the Mustang's home since 2004.

Lastly, should the C8 be worried about the GTD? The answer is likely no. The production version of the GTD will incorporate a lot of carbon fiber, putting it in a different price bracket from the Corvette. The GTD is expected to have a starting price of at least $200k, compared to the $100k range of the Z06 or E-Ray. So, while the GTD may be a great addition to Ford's lineup, it remains to be seen if it is truly worthy of the Mustang badge.