Ford Introduces the New Mustang GTD Supercar: Application Now Open for UK Customers
Ford is making waves in the automotive industry with the introduction of its new Mustang GTD supercar. The company has now opened applications for UK customers, with pricing expected to start at £315,000. This puts the GTD in direct competition with high-end sports cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the Ferrari 296 GTB.
Primarily designed for track use, Ford is currently evaluating the GTD for approval as a road vehicle in the UK and Europe. If approved, it will be a limited edition offering, making it even more exclusive than the previous GT supercar. However, if road registration cannot be obtained, the GTD will be strictly a track-only vehicle in certain markets.
Ford has set its sights high for the GTD, aiming for a sub-7 minute lap time at the Nürburgring. This would put it on par with European supercars like the Porsche 911 GT2 RS, Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, and Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. Ford CEO Jim Farley expressed his confidence in the GTD’s performance, stating that it shatters preconceived notions of a supercar and that he would take track time in a Mustang GTD against any other auto boss in their best road car.
The Mustang GTD is the result of collaboration between Ford and motorsport outfit Multimatic, the same team that built the Ford GT supercar. It is a road-legal version of the Mustang GT3 race car that will compete at Le Mans next year. The GTD boasts an impressive output of over 800bhp from its supercharged V8 engine, making it the most powerful Mustang ever created.
To achieve its performance goals, the GTD features a range of motorsport-derived modifications. These include a larger 5.2-liter engine with dry sump lubrication, dual air inlets, and a titanium active-valve exhaust system. The drive is taken directly from the engine to a rear transaxle gearbox through a carbon fiber propshaft, resulting in improved weight distribution.
The GTD’s chassis is significantly different from the standard Mustang, with a sophisticated suspension setup and adaptive spool valve (ASV) damper technology developed by Multimatic. The front suspension utilizes an unequal-length double-wishbone design, while the rear suspension features integral-link double-wishbone suspension with pushrods and rocker arms. The GTD also boasts a wider track, massive front tires, and Brembo brakes with carbon-ceramic discs for enhanced grip and stopping power.
Inside the GTD, the focus is on weight reduction and performance. The rear seats have been removed, and the front seats are replaced with track-ready Recaro buckets. The rotary dial, build plaque, and paddle shifters are all 3D-printed using titanium recovered from retired F22 fighter jets. However, the GTD retains digital displays and the standard infotainment system for added convenience.
With its impressive performance capabilities and limited production numbers, the Ford Mustang GTD is set to make a statement in the supercar market. Ford’s commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging European sports cars is evident in the design and engineering of the GTD. As applications for UK customers are now open, it will be interesting to see who will be among the lucky few to own this extraordinary vehicle.