Ford Mustang GTD Returns to Nürburgring: Aiming to Regain Speed Record
Earlier this year, Ford set a new benchmark by breaking its own Nürburgring lap record for American cars. This achievement, however, was soon surpassed by Chevrolet's Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X, which claimed the fastest times on the legendary track.
Recently, the iconic Blue Oval emblem was observed once again at the Nürburgring, hinting at a possible new attempt to reclaim the record. Enthusiast accounts, supported by The Drive and Wilcobok via Instagram, reveal the high-performance Mustang GTD with apparent enhancements.
Modifications include additional dive planes on the front bumper and adjusted hood vents, suggesting that Ford is either preparing for a record-breaking run or making upgrades to eventually challenge the Corvette's supremacy.
Unleashing the Beast: Mustang GTD Specifications
The Mustang GTD stands as Ford's most formidable high-performance Mustang to date. Powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, it delivers an impressive 815 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque, enabling a top speed of 202 miles per hour. Future powertrain adjustments are speculated to enhance its competitiveness, although specific details remain under wraps.
Technical Marvels and Design
Serving as the road-legal counterpart to the GT3 race car, the Mustang GTD features a carbon-fiber driveshaft, an eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle gearbox, and a semi-active rear inboard pushrod suspension, all visible through the rear bulkhead. These advanced components contribute to its exceptional performance capabilities.
Corvette's Competitive Edge
In contrast, Chevrolet's Corvette ZR1X boasts a turbocharged 5.5-liter hybrid V8 engine producing 1,250 horsepower and 878 pound-feet of torque, with a starting price of $207,395. The standard ZR1 variant offers 1,064 horsepower and starts at $181,395. While the Mustang GTD is priced higher at $330,000, the Corvette's performance metrics outpace Ford's offering.
The automotive world watches eagerly to see if Ford's latest modifications will enable the Mustang GTD to reignite its legacy at the Nürburgring, potentially slicing three seconds off the current lap times and reclaiming its position as the fastest American car on the track.
Source: The Drive
