When we talk about a “race car for the streets,” many brands use the phrase, but few take it as seriously as Ford does with the Mustang GTD. This monster, capable of over 200 mph, not only impressed at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife but came back to smash its own lap time.
The American Monster Roars Louder in the Green Hell
Remember when, last August, professional driver Dirk Müller recorded a lap time under 7 minutes (exactly 6:57.685) with the Mustang GTD at the “Green Hell”? Well, it seems Ford and their engineering partner, Multimatic, weren’t satisfied. They kept tweaking the machine.
The result? A new stellar time of 6:52.072, again with Müller behind the wheel, showing an impressive improvement of 5.5 seconds. This puts the GTD into a very exclusive performance territory.
The Secret Formula: What Changed in the GTD?
Ford has not kept the adjustments made since the previous run a secret.
Key Technical Updates
- Revised chassis adjustments (increased torsional rigidity).
- Updated suspension hardware and alignment.
- Aerodynamic tweaks for more downforce.
- New powertrain calibrations.
- Revised ABS and traction control behavior.
- Development of the new Active Spool valve.
Of course, we can’t ignore the human factor. Dirk Müller’s increased experience with the car certainly contributed, even if it’s hard to quantify. Additionally, reports from the first attempt in October indicated less-than-ideal weather, so more favorable conditions this time likely helped—something that often plays a crucial role in record attempts at the challenging German circuit.
Where Does the Mustang GTD Fit Among the Elite?
With the new time of 6:52.072, the Mustang GTD now laps Nürburgring slightly faster than a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. It’s just a hair behind a Lamborghini Huracán Performante, showing that Ford is serious and aiming directly at Europe’s best.
The undisputed king among “production cars” (and here I use quotes, because let’s be honest, who’s actually seen one on the street?) remains the Mercedes-AMG One, with Marco Engel clocking 6:29.090 last September. But the debate over what truly qualifies as a production car for these records is always heated.
Nürburgring Lap Time Comparison (Approximate)
| Car | Lap Time |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-AMG One | 6:29.090 |
| Lamborghini Huracán Performante | 6:52.010 |
| Ford Mustang GTD | 6:52.072 |
| Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series | 6:52.540 |
| Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) | 6:49.328* |
*Note: The GT3 RS (992) time is included for additional context, although it wasn’t directly mentioned in the original text as a direct comparison to the new GTD time. Source: FastestLaps.*
A “Nearly” Street Legal Race Car: Specifications
Ford describes the GTD as “street legal – barely.” And that’s no exaggeration. It boasts an intricately complex suspension system, aerodynamics worthy of pure race cars, and a chassis with near 50/50 weight distribution.
Under the hood lies the crown jewel: a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 that churns out an absurd 815 horsepower. This power, combined with performance-focused engineering, puts it on par with exotic machines—maybe even exceeding what you’d expect from a supercar like the Ferrari 296 in terms of raw brutality.
Exclusivity and Price: For the Few (Very Few)
Production of the Mustang GTD is expected to begin this spring (US), but don’t expect to see them around every corner. Only about 1,000 units are planned, with a starting price estimated at $325,000.
Considering the performance and exclusivity, it’s almost certain every unit in the first batch already has an owner. If you dream of owning one, maybe it’s time to start devising some creative strategies to convince someone at Ford to put you on the list… Good luck with that!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Mustang GTD
- What is the new Mustang GTD lap time at Nürburgring? The new official record is 6:52.072.
- How much does the Ford Mustang GTD cost? The estimated price is around $325,000.
- How many Mustang GTDs will be produced? Production is limited to about 1,000 units.
- Which cars did it beat at the ‘Ring with this new time? It became faster than the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series and is very close to the Lamborghini Huracán Performante.
- What is the Mustang GTD’s horsepower? It has a 5.2L supercharged V8 producing 815 horsepower.
To me, the Mustang GTD represents the pinnacle of Ford Performance engineering applied to a car that (technically) can be driven on the streets. It’s a showcase of raw power and technology, pushing the limits of what a Mustang can be. The new Nürburgring record is not just a number—it’s a statement of intent from the American brand on the global supercar stage, even if production is extremely limited and the price puts it out of reach for most enthusiasts.
And what about you—what do you think of this new Mustang GTD record? Do you believe it earns the title of “race car for the streets”? Leave your comment below!
Author: Fabio Isidoro
Fabio Isidoro is the founder and editor-in-chief of Canal Carro, where he has been writing about the automotive world since 2022. Passionate about cars and technology, he began his journey on the HospedandoSites portal and today dedicates himself to creating technical content and comprehensive analyses of national and international vehicles. 📩 Contact: contato@canalcarro.net.br