Impressive Power: Ford Mustang GTD, Packing a $325,000 Punch of GTD Energy
The Ford Mustang GTD, set to debut in the 2025 model year, is making waves in the automotive world. This high-performance vehicle offers an exceptional driving experience, despite its substantial weight.
On the road or on the track, the weight of the Ford Mustang GTD is hardly noticeable. Even with massive power and torque, the car shows exceptional stability and grip, particularly in sharp, acute corners. This impressive performance is evident in a never-ending bowl left-hander corner, where the Mustang GTD and the Porsche 911 GT3 RS proved their downforce claims, with the Mustang feeling just as fast and capable as the featherweight GT3 RS.
However, the Ford Mustang GTD is heavier than a Mustang Dark Horse and nearly 1,200 pounds more than a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Yet, the grip exceeds what even experienced supercar drivers expect in cornering, accelerating, braking, or any combination thereof.
The Ford Mustang GTD's weight savings come from reducing some coatings under the carpet, but the thermal barrier was left untouched. Lighter magnesium wheels will be an optional feature, although the price and availability are yet to be disclosed. For those seeking even more weight reduction, the Liquid Carbon package replaces the roof rails and door skins with carbon fiber, saving 30 pounds and making almost the entire exterior exposed carbon fiber.
The optional Track package includes active aerodynamics, a longer front splitter, dive planes on the nose, and 'hood flicks' at the leading edge of the hood vents. The new Track button allows for the turning on and off of active aerodynamics, launch control, line lock burnout feature, and performance trackers.
The Ford Mustang GTD's acceleration is impressive, with a best run on an unprepped surface recording a 3.38-second time. This could potentially be improved with fresh tires and multiple attempts. The car is equipped with a Variable Traction Control feature that offers five settings and a full-off position, helping to manage power oversteer.
Unfortunately, the interior of the Ford Mustang GTD falls short of expectations for a high-end car. Despite Ford's argument that every dollar went into performance, the design and materials quality underwhelm, with a $40,000 interior in a $325,000 car. The Recaro seats are the biggest addition, but they creak under heavy cornering loads. Rearward visibility is also an issue, with almost nonexistent visibility until speeds of 35 mph and the rear wing opens.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Ford Mustang GTD feels planted, settled, and confident, making it easy to drive fast. With Ford receiving roughly four times as many applications from prospective buyers than it has announced build slots, it's clear that the Mustang GTD is a vehicle worth waiting for.
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