Ford Mustang 2024: new GTD variant brings high-power track experience to the road

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The rumours may have been that the Mustang would go mid-engined for the very first time, but today Ford has officially announced its new Mustang GTD variant – a track car that can be road registered. 

But the main news is that, despite earlier rumours, this special Mustang won’t in fact be mid-engined. Instead, it maintains the traditional front-engined Mustang format, but with much more power. 

Ford has planted a 5.2-litre supercharged V8 into the engine bay which the automaker says could have almost 600kW.   

This will make the GTD more powerful than the 500kW Chevrolet Corvette Z06 or even more exotic European rivals such as the 493kW Ferrari 488. 

The GTD is set to cost approximately USD$300,000 when it goes on sale in the US, with Ford saying production will be very limited. 

The new GTD joins the upcoming Mustang lineup which includes Ecoboost, GT, Dark Horse, Dark Horse R and Mustang GT3 in the US lineup. It is yet unconfirmed as to whether the GTD will make it down under.  

The new Ford race car for the road will be available in late 2024 or early 2025. 

The Mustang GTD in detail 

Ford has gone all out with the GTD Mustang, adding enhancements to suspension, engine, aerodynamics and braking systems. 

Racing technology has been taken from the new GT3 race car, which includes extensive aerodynamics. Ford has fitted the GTD with carbon-fibre body panels for the bonnet, fender, door sills, rear diffuser and roof. 

An active rear wing is featured, along with hydraulically-controlled front flaps to help with air management. 

In terms of engine, the GTD’s V8 features a dry-sump lubrication system – the first time for a road-going Mustang – and will be able to rev up to 7500rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and a carbon-fibre driveshaft. 

A new active exhaust system is likely to make the GTD sound the business, too. 

Ford has also installed a ‘state-of-the-art’ semi-active suspension system that can vary spring rate and ride height. This means ride height can be 40mm lower than normal, with the track 100mm wider than a Mustang GT. 

Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and variable traction control will also feature. 

Inside the cabin, there will be a mix of carbon-fibre, suede and leather finishes, and this version fits race-style Recaro seats.. 

Customers will be able to specify 3D-printed titanium shift paddles and rotary dial shifter made from retired Lockheed Martin F-22 fighter jet parts.