The automotive world is buzzing with excitement following Ford’s remarkable achievement at the Nurburgring, where the Mustang GTD has set a new record, outperforming the renowned Porsche 911 GT3. This impressive feat marks a significant milestone for the American automaker, showcasing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance.
Ford’s ambitious goal to create a Mustang that could rival European supercars was met with skepticism, but the results have proven the doubters wrong. Racing veteran Dirk Muller took the wheel and completed the 20-kilometer Nurburgring circuit in an astonishing 6 minutes and 57 seconds. This accomplishment not only makes the Mustang GTD the first American car to break the seven-minute barrier but also places it ahead of the 911 GT3, which recorded a lap time of 6 minutes and 59 seconds in 2020.
The Mustang GTD’s lap time is particularly impressive considering it was achieved during a limited testing phase. Greg Goodall, the chief program engineer for the project, revealed that the team only had the opportunity to complete three flying laps before inclement weather interrupted their session. Despite these constraints, all three laps were completed in under seven minutes, a testament to the car’s remarkable engineering and performance capabilities.
“Our very first attempt out, we ran three out of three laps under seven minutes,” Goodall stated. “It’s pretty phenomenal, but we’re not done. The car is much better now. We learned a lot. We went there, so we’re not done. We’re planning on going back and setting an even better time.”
The Mustang GTD represents a passion project for Ford, driven by the company’s global CEO, Jim Farley, who has a personal interest in racing. Farley’s vision was to create a vehicle that could compete not only in GT3 racing but also on the streets against iconic brands such as Porsche, Ferrari, and Aston Martin.
To achieve this ambitious goal, Ford collaborated with Canadian racing and engineering experts at Multimatic. The team utilized elements from the GT3 race program to develop a road-legal version of the Mustang GTD, unencumbered by racing regulations. This freedom allowed the engineers to fully unleash the potential of the Mustang.
Under the hood, the Mustang GTD boasts a powerful 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing an impressive 596 kW (800 hp). This robust powertrain is complemented by advanced engineering and design features that enhance the car’s performance on the track.
The Mustang GTD’s engineering team focused on optimizing aerodynamics, weight distribution, and handling characteristics to ensure it could compete with the best in the business. The result is a vehicle that not only excels in straight-line speed but also offers exceptional cornering capabilities, making it a formidable contender on the racetrack.
As Ford prepares for further testing at the Nurburgring, the anticipation builds for what the Mustang GTD could achieve next. With the possibility of even faster lap times on the horizon, the automotive community is eager to see how this American icon continues to evolve and compete.
The Mustang GTD’s achievement at the Nurburgring is a clear indication of Ford’s commitment to performance and innovation. As the automotive landscape continues to shift, the Mustang remains a symbol of American engineering excellence, ready to take on the world’s best.
With the Mustang GTD, Ford has not only made a statement but has also set a new benchmark for American performance cars. The journey of this remarkable vehicle is far from over, and enthusiasts worldwide are watching closely as Ford aims to raise the bar even higher in the realm of high-performance automobiles.
