Unleashing Power: How the Ford Mustang GTD Conquered the Nürburgring in Record Time

The automotive world has been buzzing with excitement as Ford has unveiled its limited-production Mustang GTD, a car that has made history.

Achieving a sub-seven-minute lap time on the treacherous Nürburgring, the Mustang GTD has not only placed itself among the elite but has also distinguished Ford as the first American manufacturer to achieve this prestigious milestone.

The Significance of the Nürburgring

The Nürburgring isn't just any racetrack; it’s the ultimate proving ground for performance vehicles. With its 12.9 miles of twists, turns, and elevation changes, it challenges even the most seasoned racecars, making it the gold standard for competitive performance. Brands like Mercedes, Porsche, and Lamborghini have traditionally dominated this arena, but Ford has now staked its claim, thanks to the engineering prowess behind the Mustang GTD.

A New Era for Ford and the Mustang Brand

Jim Farley, Ford's President and CEO, emphasized the significance of the Mustang GTD's achievement. “The team behind Mustang GTD took what we’ve learned from decades on the track and engineered a Mustang that can compete with the world’s best supercars,” he stated. The Mustang GTD is the culmination of years of development focused on pushing the boundaries of what a production American muscle car can achieve.

Meet the Driver: Dirk Müller

No success story is complete without a skilled driver, and Ford chose renowned Multimatic Motorsports driver Dirk Müller to pilot the Mustang GTD. On his very first attempt, he clocked an official time of 6:57:685, demonstrating remarkable skill and the car's capabilities at high speeds. But it wasn’t just luck; it was a meticulously planned and executed mission by the Ford team.

The Engineering Behind the Magic

To delve deeper into this remarkable achievement, we spoke with the Chief Program Engineer of the Mustang GTD, Greg Goodall. Goodall has spent years working on various Ford Performance projects, but leading the GTD was an endeavor shrouded in secrecy at first. From day one, the primary mission was clear: break the seven-minute barrier.

“I didn't know a whole lot about what the project was,” Goodall admitted. Despite the uncertainty, he was fueled by the goal to compete at the highest level. The development of the GTD was executed under the code name 'Project Gold', further emphasizing its importance and the high expectations placed on it.

Challenges in Development

A significant challenge during this development has been securing testing slots at the Nürburgring. “You have to book your timeslots months in advance,” Goodall explained. Though they initially planned their first serious attempts for October, luck was on their side, and they secured a rare August slot. Every detail of the GTD was scrutinized; each change to the car's design was immediately followed by rigorous aerodynamics testing.

The Day of the Record

When the day finally arrived, the team faced adverse weather conditions. As they prepared for the lap, ominous rain clouds loomed. “We were stressed,” Goodall recalled, as raindrops began to fall right before the run. Nevertheless, the team decided to take their chance, trusting the hard work they had put into the GTD.

Breaking the Barrier

As the Mustang GTD sped past the starting point, the palpable tension turned into anticipation. “You hear the car go by for ten or fifteen seconds, and then silence. You hold your breath,” Goodall shared, reflecting on that suspenseful wait. When the GTD finally completed the lap, it brought about a range of emotions from pride to sheer relief.

The Journey Forward

However, the triumph didn't mean rest for the Mustang GTD team. Despite breaking the seven-minute barrier, they believe there is more to extract from the vehicle. Goodall pointed out that their achievement only scratches the surface of potential performance, hinting at future runs and improvements. They’re driven by a collective spirit—hungry to push boundaries further.

Documenting Excellence

Ford has also documented this entire journey through a short film titled The Road To The Ring, showcasing the development process and detailing the high-stakes atmosphere surrounding the record-breaking lap. The film features insights from key members of the team, including Jim Farley and their chief engineers.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for the Mustang Legacy

The Mustang GTD isn’t just a new chapter in Ford's history; it represents a new standard for American performance cars. As Ford sets its sights on future endeavors, one thing is clear: the Mustang legacy is far from over. With ambitious goals, innovative engineering, and a passionate team committed to excellence, the entire automotive community eagerly anticipates what’s next for the mighty Mustang.