Ford Unleashes GT3-Inspired Mustang GTD: A Roaring Revolution in the Canadian Sports Car Scene

Ford Unveils GT3-Inspired Mustang GTD: A Revolution in Canadian Sports Cars

The year 2024 is set to mark the introduction of the highly anticipated Ford Mustang GT3 race car. Following in the footsteps of other brands in GT racing, Ford has unveiled a road-going version of the GT3 racer-inspired Mustang called the Mustang GTD. This limited-edition, street-legal performance car represents the culmination of a joint effort between Ford Performance and Multimatic, and is touted as the most advanced Mustang ever created.

A New Approach: From Race Car to Road Car

The Mustang GTD breaks the mold by not being a road car engineered for the track, but rather a race car engineered for the road. With an 800+ horsepower 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine coupled to an 8-speed dual-clutch rear transaxle and carbon fiber driveshaft, the Mustang GTD offers near-ideal weight balance and exhilarating performance. The car is also equipped with a range of advanced features, including extensive use of carbon fiber in the body, a Multimatic-designed suspension that can be adjusted for track or street use, active aerodynamics, magnesium wheels, and a titanium exhaust.

Jim Farley, Ford‘s president and CEO, describes the Mustang GTD as shattering every preconceived notion of a supercar. He states, “This is our company, we’re throwing down the gauntlet and saying, ‘Come and get it.’ We’re comfortable putting everybody else on notice. I’ll take track time in a Mustang GTD against any other auto boss in their best road car.”

A Rocketship for the Road

Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, expressed his excitement and pride in the engineering behind the Mustang GTD. He emphasizes that the car’s true power lies not only in its stunning exterior, but also in its advanced racing technology and engineering prowess. He states, “When you look at the engineering, the aerodynamics, how the powertrain works, the Mustang GTD is a rocketship for the road.”

The Essence of Transformation

The Mustang GTD represents the essence of the ongoing transformation at Ford. As the company invests heavily in the Mustang brand as a halo product, the Mustang GTD will join a lineup that includes the Mustang GT4, the Mustang GT3, and the Mustang Dark Horse R spec racer. The aim is to push the boundaries of what Ford is capable of, from software to special edition cars.

Farley reflects on the significance of the Mustang GTD in relation to Ford‘s mission: “Mustang GTD represents the very best of Ford Motor Company and what our team needs to do every day. It represents the essence of the transformation we’re going through at Ford, from software to special edition cars.”

The Details: Design and Performance

The Mustang GTD features a range of design and performance enhancements compared to the regular production Mustang. Carbon fiber parts replace the standard components to reduce weight, lower the center of gravity, and improve responsiveness. The car boasts carbon fiber fenders, hood, door sills, front splitter, rear diffuser, roof, and optional front and rear fascias.

The aero package includes a comprehensive carbon fiber underbody aerodynamic tray and hydraulically controlled front flaps for optimal balance, in coordination with an active rear wing. The trunk area, which would typically house cargo in a standard Mustang, now contains semi-active suspension, a hydraulic control system, and a transaxle cooling system. This cooling system utilizes a race-inspired cover that replaces the trunk lid and includes air scoops to channel air off the back glass and through the heat exchangers.

The heart of the Mustang GTD is the purpose-developed supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, which features dual air inlets and the first dry-sump engine oil system fitted to a roadgoing Mustang. With a redline of over 7,500 rpm, this engine generates exceptional sounds through the available titanium active valve exhaust system. The Mustang GTD boasts the highest horsepower ever developed for a street-legal Mustang by Ford.

The power from the engine is sent to the rear wheels through a carbon fiber driveshaft connected to an 8-speed rear transaxle, resulting in almost equal weight distribution between the front and rear of the car. The Mustang GTD is equipped with state-of-the-art semi-active suspension that can vary spring rates and ride height. This technology, along with the wider track and enhanced lateral stiffness, improves on-road and on-track performance.

The Mustang GTD is fitted with wide front and rear tires, measuring 325 millimeters and 345 millimeters respectively, mounted on 20-inch forged aluminum or available forged magnesium wheels. Brembo TM carbon ceramic brakes provide exceptional stopping power, while cooling ducts mounted below the rear suspension help dissipate heat.

The car also features Variable Traction Control in track mode, allowing the driver to modulate engine output and traction control intrusiveness without taking their hands off the wheel. The cockpit of the Mustang GTD is finished with premium materials, including Miko suede, leather, and carbon fiber. The availability of RECARO seats optimized for track days further enhances the sporting experience.

Production of the Mustang GTD will be limited, with pricing expected to start at approximately $300,000. The car will be manufactured at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant before being transported to Multimatic facilities in Markham, Canada, for final assembly by the Ford Performance and Multimatic teams. The Mustang GTD is set to become available to customers in late 2024 or early 2025.

Conclusion: A Canadian Performance Icon Reimagined

The unveiling of the Ford Mustang GTD marks a new chapter in the evolution of Canadian sports cars. With its GT3-inspired design, advanced engineering, and exhilarating performance, the Mustang GTD sets a new standard for the iconic Mustang brand. It represents a bold statement by Ford, putting other auto manufacturers on notice and showcasing the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries.

The Mustang GTD‘s combination of cutting-edge technology, lightweight materials, and exceptional craftsmanship make it a unique and coveted vehicle. With its limited production numbers, the Mustang GTD is poised to become a collector’s item and a symbol of Canadian engineering excellence.

As enthusiasts eagerly await the arrival of the Mustang GTD on the roads and tracks, one thing is certain: Ford has once again demonstrated its ability to innovate and redefine the boundaries of performance driving. The Mustang GTD is a testament to the passion and dedication of the teams at Ford Performance and Multimatic, and a showcase of Canadian automotive ingenuity.