Ford has unveiled its most ambitious and advanced Mustang ever: the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD. This limited-edition, street-legal performance car is designed to take on the likes of Porsche, Aston Martin, and AMG in both track and road conditions. It is also inspired by the Mustang GT3 race car that will debut at Le Mans next year.
The Ford Mustang GTD is not just a souped-up version of the regular Mustang. It is a technological tour de force that incorporates features and innovations that go beyond what is allowed in racing. Here are some of the highlights of this ultra-high-performance pony car:
A supercharged V8 engine with a dry sump oil system
The heart of the Ford Mustang GTD is a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine that targets an estimated 800 horsepower. This is the same engine that powers the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 but with some modifications to make it more suitable for track use. One of them is a dry sump oil system that prevents oil starvation during high-speed cornering and improves cooling efficiency.
The engine also features a unique intake manifold, a larger throttle body, and a revised supercharger intercooler. The exhaust system is made of stainless steel and has active valves that adjust the sound level depending on the driving mode. An optional titanium exhaust system reduces weight and enhances the sound even further.
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A rear-mounted transaxle and a carbon fiber driveshaft
To achieve a near 50/50 weight distribution, the Mustang GTD uses a rear-mounted transaxle that houses an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This transmission is similar to the one used in the Ford GT supercar but with different gear ratios and software calibration. The transaxle also has a cooling system integrated into the trunk lid.
The power from the engine is transmitted to the rear wheels via a carbon fiber driveshaft that reduces rotational inertia and improves responsiveness. The rear axle features an electronically controlled limited-slip differential that optimizes traction and stability.
A dual ride height suspension and magnesium wheels
The Mustang GTD has a sophisticated suspension system that can adjust both the spring rate and the ride height depending on the driving mode. The dual ride height feature allows the car to lower itself by 2 inches when switched to Track mode, improving aerodynamics and handling. The suspension also has adaptive dampers that continuously adjust to road and track conditions.
The suspension components are made of lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber. The front suspension is a short-long arm design, while the rear suspension is a multi-link design. The car rides on 20-inch magnesium wheels that are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The wheels have center-locking hubs for quick changes.
Active aerodynamics and carbon fiber bodywork
The Ford Mustang GTD has a striking appearance that is influenced by both form and function. The bodywork is mostly made of carbon fiber, except for the aluminum door skins. The car has a wide stance, a low profile, and a massive rear wing that dominates the rear end.
The rear wing is part of the active aerodynamics system, including a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear diffuser. These elements can adjust their angle and position to create optimal downforce or reduce drag depending on the driving situation. The active aerodynamics system can also work in conjunction with the suspension system to lower or raise the car as needed.
The race car also has numerous cooling ducts and vents that direct air to various components, such as the brakes, the engine, the transaxle, and the intercooler. The front fascia has an aggressive grille that features LED headlights and daytime running lights. The rear fascia has LED taillights and quad exhaust tips.
Carbon ceramic brakes and a digital cockpit
The Ford Mustang GTD has powerful brakes that can handle the high speeds and temperatures generated by the car. The brakes are carbon ceramic discs that measure 15.5 inches in diameter at the front and 14.5 inches at the rear. Six-piston calipers clamp them at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear.
The brakes also have an anti-lock braking system, an electronic brake-force distribution system, and a brake-by-wire system that eliminates the need for a vacuum booster. The brake-by-wire system allows for more precise modulation and feedback, as well as integration with other systems, such as traction control and stability control.
The interior of the Mustang GTD is focused on performance and functionality. The driver sits in a Recaro racing seat that has six-point harnesses and adjustable bolsters. The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara and has paddle shifters, buttons, and switches for various functions.
The instrument cluster is a 12-inch digital display that shows vital information such as speed, rpm, gear, lap time, g-force, tire pressure, oil temperature, and more. The center console has a 10-inch touchscreen that runs the SYNC 4 infotainment system. The system has features such as navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD also has a performance data recorder that can capture video and telemetry data from the car. The data can be viewed on the touchscreen or transferred to a USB drive or a smartphone app. The app can also allow the driver to customize various settings and preferences for the car.
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A limited-edition, $300,000 Mustang
The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is not a cheap car. It will cost around $300,000 and will be built in limited quantities starting next year. Ford has not revealed the exact production number, but it is expected to be around 2,000 units. The car will be available in four colors: Rapid Red, Grabber Blue, Iconic Silver, and Shadow Black.
The Mustang GTD is a bold and ambitious project from Ford that aims to challenge the best of European sports cars. It is a testament to the engineering and design capabilities of Ford Performance and Multimatic, as well as the passion and vision of Ford CEO Jim Farley.
The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is also a tribute to the legacy and heritage of the Mustang nameplate, which has been synonymous with performance and innovation for over 50 years. It is a car that honors the past, embraces the present, and looks forward to the future. It is a car that is worthy of being called a Mustang.
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