The Ford Mustang GTD, priced at $330,000, has sparked extensive debate about its transformation from a standard Mustang into an 815-horsepower track monster.
Why it matters: The GTD represents the pinnacle of Mustang engineering, bridging the gap between racing and road cars, and providing valuable experience and technology that could benefit future vehicles.
The details:
- The GTD begins as a standard Mustang body shipped from Flat Rock, Michigan to Multimatic for extensive modifications.
- Plasma cutters are used to modify the body, allowing for increased track width and larger 345mm-wide rear and 325mm-wide front tires.
- The rear suspension features a pushrod design, shifting springs and dampers to a horizontal arrangement for improved grip.
- The GTD retains the same subframe mounting points as the standard Mustang but has completely re-engineered suspension components.
Despite weighing 400 to 500 pounds more than a Mustang Dark Horse and nearly 1,200 pounds more than a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the GTD feels light and agile on both the street and the track.
What they’re saying:
- “From behind the wheel, you’d never know the GTD is heavier than its lighter counterparts. The car imparts feelings of solidity and stability without any sense of laboriousness or dullness.” – Author
- “The GTD’s on-track competence extends to the street. It handles bumps effortlessly and extends a level of forgiveness to the driver that’s rare in high-performance cars.” – Author
The other side: Critics argue that the GTD hardly resembles a traditional Mustang and question the high cost.
What’s next: The GTD’s capability to blend supercar performance with muscle car aesthetics, along with the immersive driving experience, makes it a formidable addition to Ford’s lineup and a worthy competitor in its price range.
