New Mustang GTD | HP & Performance Specs
New Mustang GTD | HP & Performance Specs. When Ford unveiled the latest generation of the Mustang earlier in 2023, it captivated enthusiasts with its unmistakable racing DNA. The Mustang GT4 and the forthcoming GT3 set the stage. Yet, Ford surprised us with the announcement of the road-legal Mustang GTD. This high-performance machine promises to be a pinnacle of engineering, blending race car pedigree with street-legal accessibility. Let’s delve into what makes the Mustang GTD a truly unique addition to the Mustang lineup.
What’s New?
The Ford Mustang GTD is unlike any Mustang we’ve seen before. Utilizing a dry-sump version of the 760-hp engine from the Mustang Shelby GT500, the GTD ups the ante with even more power, aiming to exceed 800 horsepower. This makes it the most powerful Mustang ever built. Priced at an estimated $325,000, the GTD is set to become a rare collector’s item with only around 1000 units planned for production. Its exclusivity and advanced features make it the Ford GT of the Mustang range.
Pricing and Availability
The Mustang GTD carries a hefty price tag, starting at an estimated $325,000. This pricing places it in the realm of high-end supercars, underscoring its advanced engineering and limited production run. Ford plans to produce only about 1000 units of the GTD, ensuring its status as a collector’s item. Production is slated to begin in mid-2024, with the first deliveries expected by early 2025.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Mustang GTD derives its name from the IMSA’s GTD racing class, emphasizing its deep motorsport roots. At the heart of this beast lies a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine, expected to produce over 800 horsepower, significantly more than its GT3 racing counterpart which uses a 5.4-liter V-8 with around 500 horsepower. The engines redline is set above 7500 rpm, and it breathes through titanium exhaust pipes with an active valve system.
Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle, connected via a carbon fiber driveshaft. The GTD’s chassis is primarily composed of Carbon Fiber Panels, save for the aluminum door skins, ensuring a lightweight yet sturdy build. Its aerodynamic enhancements, including an aggressive front splitter, vented hood and fenders, and an optional C-pillar-mounted hydraulically controlled rear wing, are designed to maximize downforce and stability.
Design: A Nod to Heritage with a Look to the Future
Visually, the Mustang GTD is a stunner. Its aggressive stance, wide body, and sleek lines are not just for show. They’re a testament to its aerodynamic efficiency and performance potential. Carbon fiber components are used extensively to keep weight down and performance up. The interior is equally impressive, with high-quality materials, sports seats, and all the luxury you would expect from a top-tier sports car.
Suspension and Handling
Ford collaborated with Multimatic to equip the GTD with state-of-the-art suspension components. The front suspension features adaptive spool valve (ASV) dampers with unequal-length control arms, while the rear employs a multilink, push-rod style setup with inboard-mounted ASV dampers and coil springs. This sophisticated suspension system is adjustable, allowing drivers to lower the ride height by approximately 1.5 inches in Track Mode for optimal performance. This setup ensures that the Mustang GTD can handle the rigors of both the track and the road, providing unparalleled control and responsiveness.
The GTD’s suspension system is a marvel of modern engineering. The adaptive spool valve (ASV) dampers are a key feature, offering fine-tuned control over the vehicle’s dynamics. The front suspension uses unequal-length control arms, a design that optimizes tire contact with the road during aggressive cornering. In the rear, the multilink, push-rod style setup with inboard-mounted ASV dampers and coil springs provides exceptional stability and grip. The suspension is also adjustable, allowing drivers to raise or lower the ride height by 1.6 inches at the push of a button, ensuring the optimal setup for both track and street driving.
Exterior Design and Aerodynamics
The Mustang GTD’s exterior is a testament to advanced aerodynamic engineering. Nearly every panel is crafted from carbon fiber, and an available aerodynamic package adds a carbon fiber underbody tray and hydraulically controlled front flaps. The optional rear wing incorporates a drag-reduction system (DRS), similar to those used in Formula 1, allowing for adjustments to reduce drag and enhance top speed.
The design of the Mustang GTD is both aggressive and functional. The front splitter and vented hood work together to manage airflow, reducing lift and increasing stability at high speeds. The vented fenders help to cool the brakes, ensuring consistent performance during extended track sessions. The optional rear wing is a standout feature, mounted to the C-pillars and hydraulically controlled to optimize downforce and drag reduction. This wing, along with other aerodynamic enhancements, allows the GTD to stick to the road or track with remarkable tenacity.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Mustang GTD combines race-inspired design with street comfort. The cabin features a mix of suede, leather, and carbon fiber, with Recaro bucket front seats providing firm support. Rear seats have been removed to reduce weight, and the trunk space is now occupied by suspension and cooling components. High-tech touches include titanium paddle shifters and a 3D-printed rotary gear selector, made from materials sourced from a retired Lockheed Martin F-22 fighter jet.
Despite its race car nature, the GTD’s interior is not devoid of luxury. The use of premium materials like suede, leather, and carbon fiber creates an environment that is both functional and comfortable. The Recaro bucket seats offer excellent support during spirited driving, while the absence of rear seats underscores the GTD’s performance focus. The cabin also features advanced technology, including titanium paddle shifters and a 3D-printed rotary gear selector, adding a touch of modernity to the driving experience.
Performance and Practicality
While the Mustang GTD prioritizes performance, it does so at the expense of fuel efficiency. Though official EPA ratings are not yet available, it is expected to match or fall below the 12-mpg city and 18 mpg highway figures of the Shelby GT500. However, this is a small compromise for a vehicle of such prowess.
The GTD’s performance is driven by its powerful supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine. With an estimated output of over 800 horsepower, this engine provides blistering acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. The rear-mounted eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle ensures smooth and precise gear changes, while the carbon fiber driveshaft enhances the vehicle’s balance and stability. The dry-sump oiling system, borrowed from racing technology, ensures consistent lubrication during high-speed cornering and acceleration.
The GTD’s performance is complemented by its advanced braking system. Brembo brake calipers and carbon-ceramic rotors provide exceptional stopping power. Ensuring that the GTD can decelerate as impressively as it accelerates. The carbon fiber panels, titanium exhaust, and magnesium wheels contribute to a lightweight yet robust construction, allowing the GTD to achieve remarkable agility and handling.
Peace of Mind for High-Performance Ownership
Purchasing a high-performance vehicle like the Mustang GTD is a significant investment, and protecting that investment is crucial. Mopar offers a Ford Extended Warranty program that provides comprehensive coverage for added peace of mind. This warranty extends beyond the standard factory warranty, covering a wide range of components and services to ensure that your Mustang GTD remains in peak condition.
The Fastest Production Mustang Ever
Ford has declared the Mustang GTD the fastest production Mustang ever, a claim that sets high expectations. Production is slated to begin in mid-2024, with deliveries expected by early 2025. The Mustang GTD represents a bold step forward for Ford. Merging the thrill of motorsport with the practicality of a street-legal vehicle. Making it a dream car for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Mustang GTD is not just a car. It is a statement of Ford’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and technology. It embodies the spirit of racing while providing the amenities and comforts necessary for everyday driving. As the fastest production Mustang ever, the GTD sets a new benchmark for performance, innovation, and exclusivity in the automotive world.
