Want the Rare Ford Mustang GTD? Here’s How to Enhance it with Magnesium Wheels and Active Aero

The legendary Ford Mustang GTD is already a beast on the tarmac, boasting over 800 horsepower and a mid-engine configuration. But what if you crave even more performance? Ford offers an exclusive Performance Package that transforms this muscle car into a track-day monster, provided you can snag one of the limited 1,000 builds and get past the application process which favors those with significant social media influence.

What’s in the Performance Package?

The Mustang GTD Performance Package is designed for those who are serious about their track times. The package includes two major components that significantly elevate the car’s performance: weight reduction and advanced aerodynamics. Firstly, by removing some of the weighty sound-deadening materials, and replacing the standard wheels with 20-inch magnesium wheels, the vehicle becomes noticeably lighter. This reduction in weight alone helps in shaving off precious seconds on a lap time.

The aerodynamics also get a serious upgrade. The addition of a bespoke front fascia, dive planes, a substantial splitter at the front, underbody aero flaps, and a race-inspired DRS active rear wing give the car considerably more grip and cornering prowess. The engineering team at Ford has ensured that every piece in this package works in harmony to provide optimum downforce and minimal drag, crucial for achieving blistering track times.

Chasing Nurburgring Glory

Ford aims to place the Mustang GTD in the list of elite vehicles that have conquered the Nürburgring with a sub-seven-minute lap. The record currently sits at 6:30.705, set by the Mercedes-AMG One. While it may seem like an ambitious target, Ford is determined to position their track-orientated Mustang in the same echelon as the mighty Porsche GT2 RS, which clocked a 6:38.835 lap time.

“Many sports cars excel at one thing. But for a car to set a quick lap at the Nürburgring, it needs to be great at everything. Cornering, grip, braking, acceleration, there’s not a single area where it can’t shine,” said Mustang GTD Chief Engineer Greg Goodall.

Green Light Applications

Currently, potential owners in Mexico, Europe, and the Middle East can apply to purchase this supercharged Mustang, though applications for the U.S. and Canada are already closed. Priced at an estimated $325,000, the Mustang GTD is not just another muscle car; it's a technological marvel built for those who appreciate engineering and speed. The final performance figures are yet to be confirmed, but expectations are sky-high.

The Cost of Excellence

So how much does this add-on package cost? Ford has remained tight-lipped about the extra expense for the Performance Package. However, a comparable Weissach Package for the now-discontinued Porsche GT2 RS sold for an additional $31,000, indicating that Ford’s premium options won't come cheap. It seems Ford is taking a page from Porsche’s playbook, offering high-cost but high-impact performance enhancements to an already exclusive car.

To sum it up, the Ford Mustang GTD and its Performance Package represent the pinnacle of American muscle and engineering prowess. If you're fortunate enough to get the nod from Ford, be prepared for a driving experience that's second to none.