Mustang GTD: Ford's European Worry

author: FutureCar Staff    

Ford has unveiled its new Mustang GTD, a high-performance variant designed to compete with European sports cars. Ford CEO Jim Farley expressed his desire to see Porsche, Aston Martin, and Mercedes "sweat" when faced with the GTD. The car is a road-legal version of Ford's Mustang GT3 car, with engineering techniques that are even illegal in certain racing series.

The GTD name may be familiar to Europeans, but in this case, it is a motorsport-derived title that 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 is aiming for around 800bhp.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed transaxle gearbox and a carbon fiber driveshaft. The GTD also boasts 20-inch forged aluminum wheels (with magnesium options available) and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes. The car's active aerodynamics include hydraulically-controlled front flaps and an active rear wing, technologies that are not permitted in certain racing series.

The GTD also features active suspension with variable spring rates and ride height, which is not allowed in racing. The car's interior includes Miko suede seat upholstery and 3D-printed titanium paddle shifters made from retired F22 Raptors. However, the Mustang GTD will be a limited-run model with a price starting at $300,000 in the US and an application process similar to that of the Ford GT.

FutureCar Staff