Mustang GTD: Ford's European Worry

author: FutureCar Staff    

Ford has unveiled its new Mustang GTD, a high-performance variant of the iconic Mustang designed to compete with European sports cars. Ford CEO, Jim Farley, expressed his ambition for the GTD to outperform brands like Porsche, Aston Martin, and Mercedes. The GTD is a road-legal version of Ford's Mustang GT3 car, with engineering that goes beyond what is allowed in certain racing series.

The GTD name may sound familiar to Europeans, but in this case, it stands for a motorsport-derived title. It references the Mustang GT3 and GT4, as well as the IMSA GTD racing class. Under the hood, the GTD features a bespoke 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with a 7500rpm redline and an active titanium exhaust. Ford aims to achieve around 800 horsepower with this setup.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through an eight-speed transaxle gearbox and a carbon fiber driveshaft, maintaining a balanced weight distribution. The GTD comes with 20-inch forged aluminum wheels (with the option for magnesium wheels) and standard Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.

The GTD's active aerodynamics incorporate technology that would be illegal in certain racing series. This includes hydraulically-controlled front flaps and an active rear wing. The suspension is also active, with variable spring rates and ride height adjustments not permitted in racing. The GTD features state-of-the-art DSSV spool valve suspension technology, allowing for a lower ride height in Track mode.

In terms of the interior, Ford has utilized Miko suede in the seat upholstery and 3D-printed titanium paddle shifters recycled from retired F22 Raptors. However, the Mustang GTD will be a limited-run model, with a selection process similar to that of the Ford GT. The starting price for the GTD in the US is $300,000.

FutureCar Staff