Ford Mustang GTD is Gunning for ‘Ring Glory

Ford in a few days will inform the world whether or not its Mustang GTD has set a Nürburgring lap time starting with a six. It’s a feat only a handful of exotic supercars has achieved. But Ford is gunning for a sub-seven minute lap in a car with rear-wheel drive, and no electrification.

The hardcore Mustang packs a 608kW supercharged 5.2 V8, Multimatic suspension, and F1-inspired aerodynamics. To those who’ve applied successfully, they will need a spare $US325,000. Ford has just released a teaser video ahead of the announcement and everyone seems to be pretty upbeat. 

No car from North American has yet achieved a sub-seven minute lap of the Nordschleife so there’s that to knock off too.

Evidently the GTDs have been testing at the ‘Ring for over a year, Ford saying “an official time has been set”. However, what that might be is a mystery. A 14-minute film telling the story of the attempt will be released on Dec. 10.

The Mustang GTD is the ultimate track Mustang, using knowledge honed over decades of racing by Ford. However, it will still be street legal. Multimatic’s Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers help to keep the show on the road, ensuring the car will be stiff enough for the track but still drivable on road.

There’s lots of aero going on as well. Active aerodynamics include a Drag Reduction System, borrowed from the F1 paddock.

Big power comes from an engine that powered the previous-generation Mustang Shelby GT500. It has new features like dry-sump lubrication, a maximum engine speed of 7650rpm, a smaller supercharger pulley, and a titanium exhaust.

Power reaches the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle for improved weight distribution. According to Ford, the GTD tops out at 323km/h (a tick over 200mph).

Like the Ford GT, not just any old Jo/Joe can buy one. Interested customers must go through an application process, and evidently over 7500 Americans already have.

Multimatic will build the Mustang GTD for Ford later this year. The company hasn’t said how many it intends to sell yet.

Ford released indicative pricing of $325,000 for the standard Mustang GTD. But Performance and Lightweight packages might take the tally even higher.

The odd part about all of this is that no matter what time the GTD sets, the new Corvette ZR1 should eclipse it. For that will have almost 800kW to play with and recently topped out at 373km/h. In a world full of wars no-one wants, this is one we will happily endorse.