Ford has thrown down the gauntlet with its racing-inspired Mustang GTD.
The company has declared a target time for the Mustang GTD around the 20.8km Nordschleife course, saying a sub-7:00.0 lap time is firmly in its sights for its racecar for the road to beat.
This could place the supercharged V8-powered Ford in the realm of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS which set a blinding lap of 6:44.848 seconds in 2022.
While there are faster production cars around the circuit – such as the record-holding, F1-engined Mercedes-AMG One – Porsche’s naturally aspirated supercar is arguably the benchmark, given both are closely inspired by GT3-spec racers.
Though Ford has already detailed the core specifications for the Mustang GTD, it has now unveiled a performance package for the already wild model, comprising numerous parts to aid it in its Nürburgring ambitions.
These include front aerodynamic dive planes, a larger splitter, underbody aero and a Formula One-style drag reduction system for the rear wing.
Additional features include the removal of sound deadening and the fitment of lighter weight, 20-inch magnesium wheels.
The performance pack is not only available on the ‘regular’ – if you can call it that – Mustang GTD but also on the ‘Carbon Series’ edition, which brings exposed elements.
Inside, there’s a mix of equipment from the Mustang GT Premium and GTD-specific features, including Recaro seats, unique display graphics, titanium gear paddles, a ‘track apps’ button and a front suspension lift button.
Behind the front occupants sits a clear window rather than seats, allowing them to view the bespoke pushrod suspension of the GTD.
Those who fork out the circa-US$325,000 (A$490,000) sum for the Mustang GTD have six colours to choose from: Chroma Flame (pictured), Polymimetic Gray, Race Red, Shadow Black, Frozen White and Lightning Blue.
No matter what specification, all Mustang GTDs are powered by a 600kW supercharged 5.2-litre V8 engine, which drives the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle.
The double-wishbone front suspension and pushrod rear suspension incorporate Adaptive Spool Valve shock absorbers and coil-over springs, helping keep control of the Mustang GTD in tandem with 20-inch wheels (shod in Michelin Cup 2 tyres) and Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.
While order books for the Ford Mustang GTD have now opened in Europe, it won’t be coming to Australia, with production limited to left-hand drive.
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