Unleashing the Beast: 800bhp Ford Mustang GTD Roars into the UK with a £315,000 Price Tag
When it comes to sheer power and unadulterated thrill, Ford has once again raised the bar with the all-new Ford Mustang GTD. This isn’t just any ordinary Mustang; designed in collaboration with motorsport specialists Multimatic, the masterminds behind the Ford GT supercar, this beast is essentially a street-legal version of the Mustang GT3 set to compete at Le Mans.
The Inspiration Behind the Name
The Ford Mustang GTD is inspired by the IMSA Sportscar Championship's GTD classification, which caters to cars engineered to FIA's GT3 standards. But make no mistake, this is one powerful pony. Boasting a supercharged V8 engine that roars with over 800bhp, it eclipses even the fierce 700bhp Shelby GT500 from 2019. This makes it even more robust than Ford's own £1.4 million track-only GT MK IV.
A Heart of Pure Power
At the core of this beast lies a bespoke 5.2-litre engine, a step up from the engine found in the standard Mustang. Enhanced with motorsport-derived features such as dry sump lubrication, dual air inlets, and a titanium active-valve exhaust system, the new Mustang GTD doesn't just perform—it sings, with an exhaust note that rivals even the most exotic Lamborghinis.
Engineering Marvel: Lightweight and Efficient
Drive is channelled from the back of the engine to a rear-mounted transaxle gearbox via a carbonfibre propshaft. This material not only helps decrease overall weight but also means the propshaft can spin at engine speeds exceeding 7500rpm. Additionally, this clever engineering results in a more direct and engaging driving experience, allowing the Mustang GTD to deliver unprecedented performance.
Chassis and Suspension: A Track-Ready Machine
The chassis of the GTD stands worlds apart from the standard Mustang. Up front, the suspension system features a sophisticated take on the classic double-wishbone design, incorporating Multimatic’s Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) damper technology. This cutting-edge tech allows the car to adjust damper settings within milliseconds, offering real-time adaptations that enhance performance.
The coilover setup is equally impressive, featuring two coil springs per unit. For track mode, a hydraulic mechanism compresses the softer spring entirely, leaving the stiffer spring in control and dropping the ride height by 40mm compared to road mode. This results in a firmer, more responsive ride tailored for the track.
A Rear Setup Built for Speed
The rear suspension and eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox are mounted on a tubular steel frame, giving the setup a race-like feel. The horizontal inboard coilover units are linked to integral-link double-wishbone suspension through pushrods and rocker arms, mirroring the advanced ASV technology used in the front. With two coil springs each, these units provide exceptional stability and handling.
Balanced for Perfection
With the rear-mounted transaxle, the GTD achieves a perfect 50/50 weight distribution between front and rear. Coupled with a variable traction control system that lets the driver make adjustments without taking their hands off the wheel, this car offers a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined.
Final Thoughts
The Ford Mustang GTD is a marvel of modern engineering and design, setting new benchmarks in both performance and luxury. Its £315,000 price tag may seem hefty, but considering the power and technology packed into this machine, it's a worthy investment for those seeking the ultimate driving experience. As it roars into the UK, the GTD is set to redefine what a Mustang can be, both on the road and the track.