2025 Ford Mustang GTD Honed On The Nurburgring Is Set To Debut In GCC Markets

Key Highlights

• Built at Ford's Flat Rock plant and assembled by Ford Performance and Multimatic in Markham, Canada.

• Handcrafted panels and trim ensure meticulous assembly and high-quality finish.

• Expected to start around USD 300,000 (AED 1.1 million approx.).

• Availability is planned in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.

The Ford Mustang needs no introduction, but let's focus on the all-new 2025 Ford Mustang GTD. This model represents Ford's effort to create a high-performance racing version of its iconic muscle car. It's designed not only for competition in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024 but also for events like the 24 Hours of Spa and the Goodwood Festival of Speed afterward. The journey to develop the Mustang GTD began in 2021 at Ford's wind tunnel facility in Michigan, where passionate engineers aimed to challenge top European sports cars.

Ford has drawn inspiration from its renowned Mustang GT3 to create the all-new Mustang GTD, pushing the performance envelope even further. The American automaker plans to conduct extensive road tests in Europe before putting it through its paces on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. It's a critical step for any track-focused sports car to earn its stripes on this challenging circuit.

According to Greg Goodall, Chief Program Engineer of the Ford Mustang GTD, extensive testing in North America at tracks like Sebring International Raceway and Virginia International Raceway was crucial. The goal was to develop a car capable of completing a Nürburgring lap in under seven minutes. Next, the focus shifts to European road testing and dedicated sessions at the Nürburgring, leading up to a timed run scheduled later this year.

When it launches globally, the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD will be a limited-edition model featuring a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine generating approximately 800 horsepower and capable of revving beyond 7,500 rpm. Ford aims to achieve a balanced 50/50 weight distribution by incorporating a lightweight carbon-fiber driveshaft, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and an 8-speed dual-clutch transaxle mounted at the rear. Additionally, the car will boast dual ride-height front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, complemented by large tires on all corners.

The new Ford Mustang GTD features a custom front splitter, vented hood, and fenders, alongside a hydraulically controlled active rear wing, front flaps, and titanium exhaust system. Ford has extensively utilized carbon fiber throughout the GTD's body, including on the front splitter, rear diffuser, hood, trunk lid, and door sills.

As previously noted, the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD will come equipped with a semi-active dual ride-height suspension featuring adaptive dampers that adjust based on both road and track conditions. Compared to the standard Mustang GT, the GTD boasts a track that is four inches wider. Enhancing its cornering capabilities during high G-force maneuvers is the upgraded short-long arm front suspension and pushrod-activated rear suspension, which are coupled with adaptive shock absorbers mounted on a lightweight tubular subframe.

To optimize its performance on the track, the Ford Mustang GTD benefits from forged magnesium wheels and cooling ducts positioned beneath the rear suspension to dissipate heat from the rear brakes efficiently. Enhancing driver engagement are 3D-printed titanium paddle shifters, a rotary dial shifter, and a serial plate sourced from recycled titanium components originally used in the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.

The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD will be manufactured at Ford's Flat Rock plant and then sent to Multimatic's facility in Markham, Canada. There, Ford Performance and Multimatic teams will carefully assemble handcrafted panels and trim. The new Mustang GTD is anticipated to start at around USD 300,000, roughly equivalent to AED 1.1 million. It will eventually be available in markets across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.

Verdict

2025 Ford Mustang GTD represents a pinnacle of engineering and performance, blending American muscle with cutting-edge technology and aerodynamics. With its powerful supercharged V8 engine, advanced suspension setup, and lightweight materials, it promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience both on the track and on the road. Designed with meticulous attention to detail and assembled by skilled teams, it underscores Ford's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence. As anticipation builds for its global release, including markets in the Middle East, enthusiasts can look forward to a new era of high-performance driving with the Mustang GTD."

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