Ford Introduces Exclusive Mustang GTD: A Road-Legal Track Monster
Ford has taken the wraps off an extraordinary rendition of their iconic Mustang, the GTD. This limited-production model boasts a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine, dynamic active aerodynamics, and a suite of performance enhancements aimed at track enthusiasts. With a projected price tag of around $300,000, the GTD is set to be released in small quantities starting next year.
The inception of the Mustang GTD was catalyzed by a glance at a clay model of the Ford Mustang GT3 race car within the design studio. Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, immediately recognized the potential to transform this high-performance concept into a street-legal powerhouse. Inspired by the ambition to conquer Le Mans with a Mustang, the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD serves as the road-ready rendition of Ford’s impending race car, scheduled for a debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona before its anticipated appearance at Le Mans.
Liberated from the constraints of racing regulations, the GTD street version is expected to churn out approximately 800 horsepower, sporting active aerodynamic features that are disallowed in the racing series for which Ford’s Mustang GT3 is destined. Ford intends to create a limited number of these street-legal GTDs, envisioning it as a potent contender in the global arena of top-tier track cars.
In the words of Jim Farley, “It’s for AMG Black, Aston Martin, Porsche GT3 RS. We want to beat it [the GT3 RS] at Le Mans, but we [also] want to beat it as a street car.”
A collaborative effort between Ford Performance and Multimatic has yielded the Mustang GTD. This endeavor commences with an ordinary Mustang shell produced at the Flat Rock, Michigan facility, which is subsequently transported to Multimatic’s factory in Ontario, Canada. There, the rear of the Mustang undergoes modifications to accommodate the GTD’s transaxle, housing a Tremec eight-speed dual-clutch unit. A transaxle cooler affixed to the trunk lid ensures proper temperature management.
The integration of a rear-mounted transaxle and a carbon-fiber prop shaft shifts the weight distribution towards the rear, affording the GTD a nearly balanced 50/50 front-rear weight distribution. Except for aluminum door panels, the bodywork predominantly comprises lightweight carbon fiber.
Propulsion is courtesy of a tweaked version of the Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine, anticipated to deliver around 800 horsepower with a redline at 7500 rpm. A dry-sump oil system is incorporated to maintain optimal lubrication during spirited track sessions. The engine’s mounting position remains unchanged, and an available titanium exhaust by Akrapovic adds to the performance enhancements.
To make the most of its impressive power, the GTD is equipped with launch control and fitted with colossal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires (345/30ZR-20 at the rear and 325/30ZR-20 at the front). The suspension is custom-designed, utilizing Multimatic’s adaptive spool-valve dampers and a novel unequal-length control-arm front suspension. The rear employs a pushrod-style multilink setup with inboard-mounted ASV dampers and coil springs.
The GTD’s aerodynamics can be dynamically adjusted through a button, lowering the car by about 1.6 inches. An optional hydraulically controlled active drag-reduction system accompanies the prominent wing mounted on the C-pillar. Pressure-reducing vents on the front fenders and hood further enhance aerodynamics.
Inside, the GTD features a prominent gauge cluster, infotainment screens, and racing-style Recaro front seats. Notably, there are no rear seats. Optional enhancements encompass a 3D-printed rotary shifter and shift paddles crafted from titanium parts reminiscent of Lockheed Martin F-22 components.
Production of the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is slated to begin in over a year, with plans to manufacture between 1000 and 2000 units of this high-performance variant. Given its remarkable features and limited availability, demand for the GTD is expected to be nothing short of fervent.