Ford recently unveiled the all-new Ford Mustang GTD, inspired by the Mustang GT3 slated to race in Le Mans next year. Developed to give European GT cars a run for their money, the Mustang GTD was developed by the same people behind Ford’s Mustang race cars and the Le Mans-winning GT.
Powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine kicking out an estimated 800 hp, the Mustang GTD features active aerodynamics and enormous grip from huge tires mounted to an advanced dual ride height short-long arm front and multi-link rear suspension.
The car also comes with carbon ceramic brakes, a lightweight carbon fiber driveshaft for near 50/50 weight distribution. Paired with the engine is an 8-speed rear transaxle for near 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear. All of the power mentioned above is sent from the engine to the rear wheels .
The fenders, hood, cover that replaces the trunk lid, door sills, front splitter, rear diffuser and roof are all carbon fiber with optional carbon fiber front and rear fascias.
Where there once was a trunk is now the semi-active suspension, a hydraulic control system, and a transaxle cooling system that uses a race-inspired cover that replaces the trunk lid and includes two air scoops to funnel air off the back glass into the area and through the heat exchangers.
The engine’s more than 7,500 rpm redline generates exceptional notes through the available titanium active valve exhaust system. It’s the highest horsepower street-legal Mustang ever developed by Ford. The suspension settings allows for nearly 40 mm lower ride height in Track Mode and overall has a nearly four inches wider track than the Mustang GT.
Road grip and cornering stability for the Mustang GTD come from 325 millimeter in width front tires – as wide as the rear tires of Ford GT – while the rear are 345 millimeters, these are mounted on 20-inch forged aluminum wheels or available forged magnesium wheels. The magnesium wheels offer the ideal combination of weight and durability and with a similar design to the Mustang GT3 race car.
Behind those wheels are massive Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, which are optimized for heat rejection leading to harder, more consistent stopping further into the braking zone. Rear brake heat is shed with the aid of cooling ducts mounted below the rear suspension.
The Mustang GTD also features technology new to Ford with Variable Traction Control in track mode. This allows the driver to push the limits of the car by modulating engine output and traction control intrusiveness. Adjustments can be made without taking hands off the wheel, allowing the driver to match track conditions to their driving ability.
Embracing the future of automotive technology, the Mustang GTD utilizes an advanced electrical architecture leveraged from the new seventh-generation Mustang, helping to offer seamless connectivity, a myriad of personalized driving modes, and over-the-air software updates.
The cockpit on the other hand, features are finished in premium materials including Miko suede paired with leather and carbon fiber, while digital displays keep drivers engaged.
Recaro seats optimized for track days are complemented by available 3D-printed titanium paddle shifters, rotary dial shifter and serial plate, all made from retired Lockheed Martin F-22 titanium parts. The rear seating area has been removed to reduce weight and provide cargo space.
According to Ford, the Mustang GTD can be ordered in any color, even color-matched to a customer-provided sample. These customizable options allow buyers to personalize their example should they choose to make it entirely unique.
