Ford has surprised the automotive world with the reveal of the 2025 Mustang GTD, a street-legal version of its upcoming Mustang GT3 race car. The GTD, which stands for GT Daytona, is a technological tour de force that boasts over 800 horsepower, a rear-transaxle transmission, and a pushrod suspension. It will cost around $300,000 and will be built in limited quantities starting next year.
Inspired by Le Mans Racing
The Mustang GTD is the result of Ford CEO Jim Farley’s vision to create a supercar that can compete with the likes of Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, and Aston Martin on the track and on the road. Farley was impressed by the clay model of the Mustang GT3 race car that was designed to race in Le Mans next year, and decided to turn it into a road car. He said, “This is our company, we’re throwing down the gauntlet and saying, ‘Come and get it.’ We’re comfortable putting everybody else on notice. I’ll take track time in a Mustang GTD against any other auto boss in their best road car.”
The Mustang GT3 race car will debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona in January 2024, before heading to Le Mans in June. The GTD street car will be an improvement on the race car, as it will have more power and active aerodynamic features that are illegal in the racing series. The GTD will also have adaptive suspension damping and adjustable traction control to suit different driving conditions.
A Beast Under The Hood
The Mustang GTD is powered by a modified version of the Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine, which delivers more than 800 horsepower. The engine is paired with a Tremec eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle that connects to the front-mounted engine via a carbon-fiber prop shaft. This configuration shifts the weight balance rearward, resulting in a nearly 50/50 front-rear distribution.
The GTD also features a pushrod suspension system that uses rocker arms to transfer vertical wheel motion to horizontal damper motion. This reduces unsprung mass and improves handling and stability. The suspension is also equipped with Multimatic Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers that offer precise control over compression and rebound forces.
The braking system consists of Brembo carbon-ceramic discs with six-piston calipers at the front and four-piston calipers at the rear. The wheels are 20-inch forged aluminum units wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
A Carbon-Fiber Body With Active Aero
The Mustang GTD has a carbon-fiber body that is wider and lower than the regular Mustang. The only parts that are shared with the base model are the aluminum door skins, the glass, and some interior components. The rest of the bodywork is sculpted for better aerodynamics and heat evacuation.
The GTD has an active rear wing that can adjust its angle and height depending on speed and downforce requirements. It also has active front splitter flaps that can open or close to optimize airflow under the car. The hood has large vents that extract hot air from the engine bay, while the fenders have outlets that reduce pressure buildup in the wheel wells.
The GTD has a distinctive front fascia with LED headlights and a large grille that feeds air to the intercooler and radiator. The rear end has LED taillights and a diffuser that houses four exhaust tips.
A Stripped-Down Interior With Recaro Seats
The interior of the Mustang GTD is stripped down to save weight and enhance performance. It has no rear seats, no sound insulation, no carpeting, and no radio or speakers. It does have air conditioning, power windows, and a digital instrument cluster.
The front seats are Recaro racing buckets with six-point harnesses. The steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara and has paddle shifters and buttons for various functions. The center console has a rotary dial for selecting drive modes, as well as switches for traction control, stability control, launch control, and pit lane speed limiter.
The GTD also has a roll cage that adds rigidity and safety to the chassis. It has fire extinguishers mounted on both sides of the cockpit.
A Limited-Edition Supercar With A Concierge Service
Ford plans to build only about 2,000 units of the Mustang GTD, which will be available globally. The price will start at around $300,000, which is a steep premium over the base Mustang that costs about $30,000.
Ford will use an allotment and concierge system to distribute the GTD, similar to the one it used for the Ford GT supercar. Potential buyers will have to apply online and meet certain criteria, such as being loyal Ford performance-vehicle customers and not being car flippers. Ford will also offer a personalized service that includes delivery, maintenance, and track support.
The Mustang GTD is expected to go on sale in late 2024 or early 2025. It will be a rare and exclusive supercar that will challenge the best in the world.