[stein_325i]

First-Ever Mustang GTD: World-Class Tech Powers New Ford Street-Legal Performance Car That's Ready to Beat the Best

Originally Posted by Ford Media Center

• Mustang® GTD is the most audacious and advanced Mustang ever, a limited-edition, street legal performance car designed in parallel with Mustang GT3 race car and ready to take on the world’s best performance cars
• Engineered to go like hell: Extensive use of carbon fiber in the body; first-of-its-kind suspension that adjusts spring rate and ride height settings for track or street conditions; active aerodynamics; supercharged V8 with unique dry sump oil system; 8-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle and carbon fiber driveshaft for near ideal weight balance; magnesium wheels; available titanium exhaust; and carbon ceramic brakes combine to create an agile, ultra-high-performance Mustang  
• Targeting more than 800 horsepower* and a sub-7-minute Nürburgring time, the technology in Mustang GTD goes beyond what’s allowed in racing.

  
DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 17, 2023 – Deep inside a metal storage garage hidden behind a wind tunnel building in Allen Park, Mich., a handful of team members gathered in 2021 for a new, after-hours mission that on paper felt like an impossible dream: design a Mustang to take on the best of European sports cars.
 
The result is a limited-edition, ultra high-performance street legal performance car with the soul of a Mustang.  
   
Debuting today is the all-new 2025 Ford Mustang® GTD, a technological tour de force inspired by the Mustang GT3 slated to race in Le Mans next year. Unapologetic in its heritage, unbelievable in its performance, its sculpted mostly carbon fiber wide body and looming rear wing says everything in just a glance. This is like no Mustang ever.  
  
“Mustang GTD shatters every preconceived notion of a supercar,” said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. “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.”    

Every precision part of Mustang GTD is purposefully designed. Every form is driven by function. It is designed to do one thing: Go faster around a track with more technology than the race cars it’s based on. Mustang GTD was developed by many of the same people behind Ford’s Mustang race cars and the Le Mans-winning GT. It’s built to be the quickest roadgoing Mustang ever.
  
Mustang GTD is planted to the tarmac by astounding downforce from available active aerodynamics and enormous grip from huge tires mounted to an advanced dual ride height short-long arm front and multi-link rear suspension. It stops with authority thanks to carbon ceramic brakes, includes a rear-mounted 8-speed dual-clutch transaxle and lightweight carbon fiber driveshaft for near 50/50 weight distribution. And everything is driven with wicked speed by a symphonic supercharged 5.2-liter V8 targeting and estimated 800 horsepower.  
  
“We obsessed about the racing technology under its skin. What makes it go is even more compelling than what you can see when it passes you by,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports. “When you look at the engineering, the aerodynamics, how the powertrain works, the Mustang GTD is a rocketship for the road.”
   
Keeping the Le Mans-winning legacy going
The Mustang GTD was born from the concept of the Mustang GT3 race car returning to Le Mans next year and will be the pinnacle of the Mustang family that now includes both street-legal and track-only race cars. This family includes the recently revealed Mustang GT4, the Mustang GT3, as well as the upcoming Mustang Dark Horse R spec racer and more. All will carry on the standing of Mustang as Ford's most raced and most successful nameplate and will prowl streets and tracks all around the globe. The GTD name for this newest Mustang refers to the IMSA “GTD” racing class for cars that are built to FIA GT3 technical regulations.
   
“This is our company, we’re throwing down the gauntlet and saying, ‘Come and get it,’” said Farley. “We’re comfortable putting everybody else on notice. I’ll take track time in a Mustang GTD against any other auto boss in their best road car.”
   
Designed and engineered as a collaboration between Ford and Multimatic**, which developed the Mustang GT3, Mustang GT4, and Le Mans-winning Ford GT, the Mustang GTD represents the culmination of decades of engineering advancement borne from continuous learning through racing. Crafted with intent and precision, it’s destined to become an iconic part of Mustang and Ford history.
  
“Mustang GTD represents the very best of Ford Motor Company and what our team needs to do every day,” said Farley. “This is what happens when we take what we’re good at and push the boundaries to see where the bubble stops. It represents the essence of the transformation we’re going through at Ford, from software to special edition cars.”
   
Chiseled to Exploit the Air   
The Mustang GTD design is pure purpose. Every line drives aerodynamic performance at track speed, from the front splitter, vented hood and fenders to the available C-pillar mounted hydraulically controlled active rear wing.
   
Mustang GTD takes advantage of the extensive use of carbon fiber body panels to reduce weight, lower center of gravity and improve responsiveness. 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.   
  
An available aero package that includes a comprehensive underbody aerodynamic tray is also executed in carbon fiber and includes features pioneered in motorsports racing, as well as some technology that would be illegal in racing, such as hydraulically controlled front flaps to manage airflow for aerodynamic balance in coordination with the active rear wing.
   
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.
   
“Our design team worked in conjunction with the Mustang GT3 design team and the aero team, sharing solutions between race car and road car, and vice versa,” said Anthony Colard, Ford Performance design manager, “This is an aerodynamics-driven design.”
   
The combination of purposefully designed aerodynamic features will result in massive downforce balanced across both front and rear axles and will in turn drive corner speeds up, produce consistent control and incredible lap times at some of the world’s most hellish tracks.  
  
Extreme Performance and Technology   
“The hardware has been carefully selected and developed to enable blistering lap time performance,” said Greg Goodall, Ford chief program engineer, “The target for this project was clear – go much, much faster than we’ve ever gone before with a targeted sub-7-minute Nürburgring time. This makes it the fastest roadgoing Mustang ever from Ford.” 
  
Mustang GTD utilizes a purpose-developed supercharged 5.2-liter V8 with dual air inlets and the first dry-sump engine oil system fitted to a roadgoing Mustang to help keep the engine lubricated during sustained and demanding cornering. 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.  
  
All of that power is sent from the engine to the rear wheels through a carbon fiber driveshaft connected to an 8-speed rear transaxle for near 50/50 weight distribution between the front and rear. Lap time drive simulations and powertrain dyno testing led to the selection of the powertrain and transaxle architecture to put power to the ground.  
    
The Mustang GTD's exceptional performance is further enhanced by a state-of-the-art semi-active suspension that can vary both spring rates and ride height. The adaptive spool valve damper technology with hydraulically actuated dual spring rate and height suspension provides two unique states which enhance on-road and on-track performance independently. 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.

A short-long arm front suspension provides enhanced lateral stiffness and improved kinematics especially in high-G cornering. The rear suspension features an integral link pushrod and rocker arm architecture where the inboard Adaptive Spool Valve shock absorbers and coil over springs are arranged in a horizontal cross pattern and integrated with a strong, stiff, and weight-efficient motorsport-style tubular subframe. The unique architecture creates a motion ratio from pushrod to damper of 1:1 so the car responds precisely to track conditions.  
   
“We are extremely proud of our work on the Mustang GTD,” said Larry Holt, Executive Vice President, Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations. “It showcases our state-of-the-art DSSV spool valve suspension technology, with features not even allowed in racing. The Mustang GTD sets a new benchmark for roadgoing racers, and we can't wait for clients to experience the thrill of driving it.”  
   
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 BremboTM 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.   
   
Mustang GTD 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.
   
These technologies work in perfect harmony, designed for unparalleled handling and control. Whether mastering track after track or driving some of the world’s best roads, the Mustang GTD will offer an exhilarating and dynamic driving experience.
   
Cabin Space   
The cockpit features are finished in premium materials including Miko suede paired with leather and carbon fiber, while digital displays keep drivers engaged and in full command. 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.    
  
Mustang GTD will be available with multiple interior color combinations and in several special option packages that take the exterior to another level. The car can also 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.   
  
The end result is an unmistakable presence, as close to a race-ready Mustang GT3 for the street as possible.   
   
Production of Mustang GTD will be limited, and pricing is expected to begin at approximately $300,000 MSRP***. It will start life at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant and then be transported to Multimatic facilities in Markham, Canada, where it will be handcrafted for racing-inspired precision by the Ford Performance and Multimatic teams. Mustang GTD will be available in late 2024, early 2025.

[VR1]

Now THIS is how you make a halo car... take notes BMW.

[Car-Addicted]

Excellent presentation. I wish then luck at Nurburgring and the showroom.

[ShocknAwe]

Wish it had more GT and less Stang.

Otherwise cool.

[Donatello.]

Originally Posted by VR1

Now THIS is how you make a halo car... take notes BMW.

No, you make a Ford GT lol

Anyway, this stang looks good but $300k? lmao hard pass. Maybe for a classic Boss 9 or something like that

[stein_325i]

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by Donatello.

No, you make a Ford GT lol

Anyway, this stang looks good but $300k? lmao hard pass. Maybe for a classic Boss 9 or something like that

There needs to be something between this and the GT500 or whatever is the current top level.

[chassis]

Supercharged 5.2L V8 brings a tear to one's eye.

[TXSTYLE]

Was just watching this on YouTube.

As a former owner of 4 Mustangs, I am very excited about this monster mustang! Out of my budget but for those fortunate customers, this car will be a collectors item and should rival the current Z06 and GT3 and
hopefully Supercars.
Looks FEARSOME!!!

[Marcoose]

Somewhere, someone is buying a $300,000 … Ford.

[x622]

Originally Posted by Marcoose

Somewhere, someone is buying a $300,000 … Ford.

If I could get my hands on one, I would, especially at MSRP.

You really think this limited edition salute to burning gas isn't going to appreciate in value over the coming decades?

I'd put my money into this before I put it into dollars.. 1 year t-bill @ 5.39% right now. You think about 300k cash into a 1 year t bill, earning you roughly 16k, what do you think these will sell for after a year of floating around?

[M3WC]

Mental. If you understand the technology in this thing, you can start to understand why it cost $300k.

[Marcoose]

Originally Posted by x622

If I could get my hands on one, I would, especially at MSRP.

You really think this limited edition salute to burning gas isn't going to appreciate in value over the coming decades?

I'd put my money into this before I put it into dollars.. 1 year t-bill @ 5.39% right now. You think about 300k cash into a 1 year t bill, earning you roughly 16k, what do you think these will sell for after a year of floating around?

As an investment ? Sure. There’s a sucker born every minute. No problem unloading it.

[heitzke]

It's totally fucking insanely cool, but I just can't wrap my brain around 300k for it. I love everything about it and recognize WHY it's so much, but still. A 300k front-engine Mustang.

[c1pher]

I thought it was supposed to be mid engined. I think GT2RS is still faster and it’s 15+ years older.

[Car-Addicted]

Originally Posted by Donatello.

Anyway, this stang looks good but $300k? lmao hard pass.

2024 BMW 3.0 CSL at 800K is a better value? Hard pass for me. I think Ford got this right and the press they are getting already makes this a win. Take notes BMW, the 2024 BMW 3.0 CSL is already forgotten. If BMW is stupid enough to take the 2024 3.0 CSL to Nurburgring Nordschleife they will likely get their butt kicked by a modded F M3.

[GA/\/\/\/\A_CT]

What does it weigh?

Definitely a niche play.

I think interest rates are too high to consider cars like this a good investment. Would you see this car doubling in value in 15 years? Without any risk? Because that is what’s on offer in the rates market…

[jmack]

Really cool race car with some interesting tech and fighter jet influence. Guess this is replacing the GT as the unobtainable halo car. I was hoping Ford was putting out a real competitor to the C8 at a similar price point when it was leaked earlier this week.

[VR1]

Originally Posted by Marcoose

Somewhere, someone is buying a $300,000 … Ford.

$300k for a <7 min nurburgring time seems like a pretty good value to me!

[Marcoose]

Originally Posted by VR1

$300k for a <7 min nurburgring time seems like a pretty good value to me!

If you have the skills to lap the Nurburgring under 7 minutes --i absolutely do not--, then you may want to consider the Ariel Atom V8, and save $100,000.

[///MPhatic]

The Porsche-vibe is strong with this one.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by GA/\/\/\/\A_CT

What does it weigh?

Definitely a niche play.

I think interest rates are too high to consider cars like this a good investment. Would you see this car doubling in value in 15 years? Without any risk? Because that is what’s on offer in the rates market…

A $300k investment in SPY will quadruple in 15 years. You aren’t setting a very high bar for Ford and this car.