Ford's Mustang GTD targets European rivals

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【Summary】Ford has unveiled the new Mustang GTD, a high-performance variant designed to compete with European sports cars. The GTD is a road-legal version of Ford's Mustang GT3 car and features a supercharged V8 engine targeting around 800bhp. It incorporates race-spec engineering, including active aerodynamics and suspension that would be illegal in certain racing series. The GTD will be a limited-run model with a starting price of $300,000 in the US.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 10:05 AM PT

Ford's Mustang GTD targets European rivals

Ford has unveiled the new Mustang GTD, a high-performance variant designed to compete with European sports cars. Ford CEO, Jim Farley, expressed his ambition for the GTD to challenge brands like Porsche, Aston Martin, and Mercedes. The GTD is a road-legal version of Ford's Mustang GT3 car, incorporating illegal engineering features from certain racing series.

Contrary to what the acronym might suggest in Europe, GTD in the Mustang's case stands for motorsport-derived titles, including references to the Mustang GT3 and GT4, as well as the IMSA GTD racing class. Under the hood, the GTD boasts a bespoke 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with a 7500rpm redline and an active titanium exhaust system. Ford aims to achieve a power output of around 800bhp.

The power is transmitted to the rear wheels through an eight-speed transaxle gearbox and a carbon fiber driveshaft, maintaining a 50/50 front/rear weight balance. The GTD features 20-inch forged aluminum wheels (with magnesium options available) and standard Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.

The GTD's active aerodynamics include hydraulically-controlled front flaps and an active rear wing, elements that would be illegal in certain racing series. The car also utilizes active suspension with variable spring rates and ride height, features that are not allowed in racing. Additionally, the GTD showcases Ford's state-of-the-art DSSV spool valve suspension technology.

Inside the GTD, Ford has incorporated Miko suede in the seat upholstery and 3D-printed titanium paddle shifters made from recycled retired F22 Raptors. However, the Mustang GTD will be a limited-run model, and interested buyers will need to go through an application process similar to that of the Ford GT. The starting price for the GTD in the US is $300,000.