Mustang GTD: Ford's Latest European Concern

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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 racing car and features a supercharged V8 engine targeting around 800bhp. It also includes race-spec engineering, such as active aerodynamics and suspension, which uses technology that's not allowed in certain racing series.

FutureCar Staff Aug 24, 2023 9:38 AM PT

Mustang GTD: Ford's Latest European Concern

Ford has unveiled the new Mustang GTD, a high-performance variant that is designed to compete with European sports cars. Ford CEO, Jim Farley, expressed his excitement about the GTD, stating that it is the Mustang he always dreamed of building and he wants to see competitors like Porsche, Aston Martin, and Mercedes sweat.

The Mustang GTD is a road-legal version of the brand's new Mustang GT3 car. Larry Holt, founder of Multimatic, revealed that Ford's performance team went above and beyond by designing the GTD with engineering that is actually illegal in certain racing series.

The GTD name may confuse Europeans, as it is commonly associated with diesel engines. However, in the case of the Mustang, GTD is a title derived from motorsports, including the Mustang GT3 and GT4, as well as the IMSA GTD racing class.

Under the hood, the Mustang GTD features a bespoke 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine with a dry sump system, a 7500rpm redline, and an active titanium exhaust. While specific performance figures are not yet confirmed, Ford aims to achieve around 800bhp.

Power is delivered 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 rides on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels (magnesium wheels are optional) and comes equipped with Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.

The GTD boasts active aerodynamics, including hydraulically-controlled front flaps and an active rear wing. The car also features active suspension with variable spring rates and ride height, which is not allowed in racing. The interior of the GTD includes Miko suede seat upholstery and 3D-printed titanium paddle shifters recycled from retired F22 Raptors.

However, getting your hands on a Mustang GTD won't be easy. Ford plans to produce the GTD in limited numbers and will use an application process similar to that of the Ford GT to determine who gets one. The starting price for the GTD in the US is $300,000.