Ford Mustang GTD Supercar Concept Leak

author: FutureCar Staff    

Leaked ahead of its official premiere at Pebble Beach, the Mustang GTD is a wide-bodied pony car equipped with a midship V8 engine and various performance enhancements. The mid-engine concept was initially showcased to a select group of individuals on August 14 at an event in Las Vegas, with its official debut scheduled for August 17.

Many wonder why Ford would consider producing this concept, as it may potentially compete with their other mid-engine model. However, this concern is alleviated by the fact that production of the GT model ceased in the first half of 2023. Only 18 units were assembled in January, followed by an additional 12 in February. The final example, chassis number N260, is a stunning car finished in Antimatter Blue with red brake calipers. Furthermore, it is unlikely that consumers would cross-shop a V6-powered supercar against a V8-powered supercar, even if GT production were to continue into the fourth quarter of 2023.

Reports suggest that the Mustang GTD will feature the same Coyote V8 engine found in the Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse. Some enthusiasts speculate that the GTD may have a front-mid-engine layout rather than a rear-mid-engine layout, especially after noticing the hood vents (heat extractors) and the air ducts in the rear fenders, potentially for cooling the rear brakes. The concept car is visible with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, red-painted brake calipers, and intricately designed wheels. Additionally, a large rear wing and aerodynamic diffuser contribute to its aggressive appearance.

Although no leaked photos of the interior have surfaced, the heavily tinted windows suggest that the concept car may not have an interior at all, which is typical for a concept vehicle. Rumors indicate that Multimatic, the Canadian company responsible for building the GT on Ford's behalf, may also be involved in the production of the GTD. If this is true, it is likely that the GTD will be based on a different platform than the front-engined Mustang, possibly the S650.

Considering the potential competition with the C8 Corvette, it is important to note that the production version of the GTD will likely incorporate a significant amount of carbon fiber, placing it in a higher price range than the Corvette. Estimates suggest a starting price of at least $200,000, in contrast to the $100,000 range of the Z06 or E-Ray models. Therefore, it is unlikely that the C8 should be concerned about the GTD's impact on its market.

With all this in mind, what are your thoughts on the upcoming GTD? While it could be a valuable addition to Ford's lineup, do you believe it truly deserves the iconic Mustang badge?

FutureCar Staff