- One of Ford's goals for the Mustang GTD was a Nürburgring lap time of under seven minutes
- Hardcore Mustang benefits from 815 hp, Multimatic suspension, and F1-inspired aerodynamics
- Prices expected to start around $325,000
Ford is on a mission to lap Germany's Nürburgring racetrack in a time of less than seven minutes using the Mustang GTD, a feat only a handful of high-end exotics have achieved, and so far no cars from a North American brand.
Mustang GTDs have been testing at the 'Ring over the past year, and Ford has confirmed that an official time has been set. Ford hasn't revealed the time yet, but it is likely to have hit the goal of under seven minutes. A short film telling the story of the attempt is coming soon, and a trailer will be released on Oct. 23.
The Mustang GTD has been developed as the ultimate track-focused Mustang, using knowledge honed over decades of racing by Ford and its engineers. However, the car will still be legal on the street. Advanced suspension that includes Multimatic's proven Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers will ensure the car will be stiff enough for the track while still pliable enough for the road.
Delivering blistering track times has also required the development of advanced aerodynamic features. The car is confirmed to feature active aerodynamics complete with a Drag Reduction System, similar to what's found in Formula 1.
Serious power is also a must, and this will be delivered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8. Rated at 815 hp, the engine is derived from the unit in the previous-generation Mustang Shelby GT500, and features new elements like dry-sump lubrication (a first for a Mustang), a maximum engine speed of 7,650 rpm (up 100 rpm on the Shelby), a smaller supercharger pulley, and a titanium exhaust.
The engine powers the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission mounted at the rear for better weight distribution. According to Ford, the top speed is 202 mph.
Ford is currently offering the Mustang GTD for the 2025 and 2026 model years. The automaker hasn't confirmed whether production will be expanded beyond those years. Interested buyers have to go through an application process, with an initial North American application process ending last spring with more than 7,500 applications.
2025 Ford Mustang GTD
Multimatic, which built the latest Ford GT supercar and also some of Ford's Mustang race cars, will start production of the Mustang GTD later this year. Ford hasn't said how many build slots will be offered.
Final pricing hasn't been announced but Ford said to expect a starting price of about $325,000 for the standard Mustang GTD. Buyers looking to extract maximum performance will have to opt for Performance and Lightweight packages.
Whatever time the Mustang GTD sets, it will likely be surpassed shortly by Chevrolet's new Corvette ZR1 which also arrives for 2025. The ZR1 has 1,064 hp on tap, and was recently clocked reaching a top speed of 233 mph.
