Ford’s Mustang GTD has made a landmark achievement, completing the Nürburgring’s iconic 12.9-mile track in under seven minutes. This accomplishment places the Mustang in the exclusive company of elite exotic cars, making it the first American production car to break this barrier. It’s a game-changer for Ford, setting a new standard for American performance on the global stage.
Mustang GTDs have been rigorously tested at the Nürburgring for over a year, culminating in an official lap time of 6:57.685 by racing legend Dirk Müller. Ford celebrated this success with a 13-minute documentary showcasing the journey. Although just two seconds quicker than the Porsche 911 GT3, the Mustang’s 815 horsepower vastly outpowers the GT3’s 502 hp.
Ford’s ambitions don’t end here. CEO Jim Farley declared, “Breaking the seven-minute barrier is a monumental achievement, but we’re not done. Mustang GTD has more potential, and we plan to return for even faster times.” Plans are already underway for a 2025 return to the Nürburgring, with Ford’s engineers pushing for even more performance.
Designed as the ultimate track-ready Mustang, the GTD combines Ford’s extensive racing expertise with street legality. Its advanced suspension, featuring Multimatic’s Adaptive Spool Valve dampers, ensures precise handling at high speeds without compromising comfort on the road. It’s an engineering marvel, offering the perfect balance of performance and versatility.
The GTD’s aerodynamic design plays a crucial role in its track performance, incorporating active aero and a Formula 1-inspired Drag Reduction System. At its core is a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, producing 815 hp. Innovations such as dry-sump lubrication, a titanium exhaust, and a smaller supercharger pulley contribute to a redline of 7,650 rpm.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission mounted at the rear, ensuring optimal weight distribution. Ford claims the GTD can reach a top speed of 202 mph. Production is expected for the 2025 and 2026 model years, with no word on extensions. Over 7,500 applications were submitted earlier this year by interested buyers.
Multimatic, known for its contributions to the Ford GT and Mustang racing programs, will handle the production of the GTD later this year. While Ford hasn’t disclosed the exact number of units or pricing, it’s expected to start around $325,000. With additional performance options like the Lightweight and Performance packages, the price could climb even higher.
