Ford Mustang GTD Revealed: 815 HP Muscle Car Aims For Nürburgring Glory
by AutoExpert | 17 September, 2024
After more than a year of teasing, Ford has finally revealed the official performance numbers for the Mustang GTD. This supercharged 5.2-liter V8 muscle car cranks out jaw-dropping 815 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Mustang in history and solidifying its place among elite supercars.
With the engine capable of revving all the way up to 7,650 rpm, Ford didn't hold back on performance upgrades. This includes a dry-sump oil system, improved intake and exhaust setups, a tighter supercharger pulley for more efficient boost, and a new lightweight titanium exhaust for that perfect blend of performance and sound.
All that power translates into a top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h). While this makes it the fastest Mustang to date, it’s still a touch behind the Ford GT supercar’s 216 mph (348 km/h) top speed. But raw speed isn’t the whole story. Ford built the GTD to dominate the Nürburgring, aiming for a sub-7-minute lap time.
To get there, they equipped the GTD with a custom wide-body kit for better aerodynamics, carbon-ceramic brakes for incredible stopping power, and a motorsport-inspired chassis, complete with inboard rear suspension and semi-active dampers that keep it planted at high speeds.
For those looking to take things even further, Ford offers an optional Performance Pack, which includes lightweight magnesium 20-inch wheels. However, that’s an add-on above the car’s already hefty $325,000 base price.
Ford's Greg Goodall, the man behind the Mustang GTD project, noted that the team’s goal wasn’t just to create a supercar—it was to make sure it kept the soul of a Mustang. He pointed out that the GTD’s 5.2-liter V8 manages to produce 156.7 hp per liter, which is more than what the Porsche 911 GT3 RS delivers.
For some perspective, the GTD’s supercharged V8 hits that figure with forced induction, while the Porsche 911 GT3 RS's naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six generates 129.6 hp per liter by revving up to an impressive 9,000 rpm. That makes Ford’s achievement all the more remarkable.
Goodall emphasized that they’ve pulled together top engineers, designers, and drivers to ensure the Mustang GTD isn’t just about power but about precision and performance. And they’re confident it will meet their bold goal of breaking the 7-minute Nürburgring lap time.