By Dave Ashton
Ford has recently revealed the 2025 Mustang GTD – an extreme version of their classic. Built from the same bones of the GT3 race car which will compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans next year, the new Ford Mustang GTD is said to be the most potent Mustang variant ever. Housing an impressive 800-hp supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, the Mustang GTD certainly sounds like it won’t disappoint.
The Shelby American brand claims that the Mustang GTD was created with a focus on track performance, targeting a sub-7 minute lap time on the iconic Nurburgring Nordschleife. The cost is also not cheap, with a starting price of around $300,000. But as with any other Mustang, this is far from an ordinary car and boasts some impressive features behind its exterior. For starters – 800 hp and 717 lb-ft of torque.
To make sure the Mustang GTD will live up to the high expectations, the car’s advanced semi-active suspension system is equipped with adaptive spool valve damper technology, allowing for height and dual spring rate adjustment. Ford-engineered special 20-inch forged aluminium or magnesium wheels entirely wrapped in 325mm front and 345mm rear tires, complemented by Brembo carbon ceramic brakes for the best-stopping power on the track.
In addition, the Mustang GTD has a wealth of aerodynamic improvements including a carbon fiber underbody tray, hydraulically controlled flaps on the front, C-pillar mounted rear wing and a multitude of lightweight carbon fiber components throughout the body. These help create an incredible level of downforce without sacrificing style or speed.
To further ensure that the Mustang GTD is able to have the best possible performance on the track, Ford has added a number of performance-enhancing components. These include adjustable dampers, a stiffer chassis, and a dual-clutch transmission with shift paddles mounted behind the wheel. Ford also states that the engine is “track ready” and features a quick-shift function, a rev-matching system that automatically matches revs during downshifts, and a dedicated launch control mode. Sticking to the road, Ford has opted for Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, which perfectly balance grip and stability on any track surface.
The interior continues to carry the GTD moniker with Recaro seats, 3D-printed paddle shifters, rotary dial shifters and even a serial plate made out of titanium parts of a Lockheed Martin F-22 fighter jet. But perhaps most remarkable of all, Ford will allow Mustang GTD buyers to choose any color they want and several different interior color combinations for added customization options. The car also comes with leather floor mats, embroidered stitching on the headrests, and illuminated door sills with a Mustang logo. In addition, buyers can specify the Ford Performance badge and visual differences between the Mustang GTD and the standard Mustang include functional brake cooling ducts, side skirts, and larger front and rear splitters.
The Mustang GTD is also fitted with a six-speaker audio system powered by a 4-channel amplifier, allowing drivers to enjoy their favorite music without compromising performance. With all these features combined, it’s no wonder that the new Ford Mustang GTD will surely be a hit and provide an unforgettable driving experience for those lucky few who can afford it.
Jim Farley, Ford Chief Executive, remarked that the Mustang GTD “shatters every preconceived notion of a supercar. This is a new approach for us. We didn’t engineer a road car for the track, we created a race car for the road. Mustang GTD takes racing technology from our Mustang GT3 race car, wraps it in a carbon fiber Mustang body and unleashes it for the street.”
Ford is still clearly betting on gasoline-powered vehicles for the near future, with hope that features from the GTD will trickle down to the rest of the Mustang line.
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