Controversy surrounds the jaw-dropping Ford Mustang GTD—a stunning machine priced at $330,000 that packs a fearsome 815 horsepower. While some enthusiasts question its Mustang heritage, labeling it as "barely a Mustang," others are left wondering why such a hefty price tag is attached to this aggressive beast. I had the chance to hit the track with this remarkable vehicle and dive deep into its engineering, unraveling just how much of a Mustang it truly is.

A New Era of Mustang Performance

The Ford Mustang GTD aims to epitomize Mustang performance rather than merely claim the title of the fastest car around the Nürburgring. Designed with insights from Ford’s GT3 racing experience, the GTD sets its sights on merging track excellence with street readiness.

Crafting the GTD: From Ordinary to Extraordinary

At its core, the GTD starts as a standard black Ford Mustang body crafted in Flat Rock, Michigan. Contrary to some beliefs, Multimatic didn’t build it from carbon fiber but dramatically re-engineered the existing structure. Ford describes it as breaking the mold of traditional supercars: "We created a race car for the road, wrapped in a carbon fiber Mustang body." But fundamentally, a significant part of its structure remains steel, much like the baseline Mustang.

Revolutionary Modifications: Plasma Cutters to the Rescue!

To meet Ford's ambitious performance standards—including a sub-7 minute lap around the Nürburgring—Multimatic and Ford employed plasma cutters to surgically alter the Mustang’s body. This included widening the track and fitting impressive tires: 345mm Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2Rs in the rear and 325mm in the front, potentially the widest production tires in history.

Pushing Boundaries: Suspension Innovations

One of the standout features is the GTD’s groundbreaking pushrod rear suspension, allowing for maximized tire contact on the tarmac. Unlike traditional designs, this setup utilizes inboard coilovers with Multimatic’s Adaptive Spool Valve damping system to deliver an unparalleled grip.

An Engineering Masterpiece: The Multilink Front Suspension

Complementing the rear, the GTD’s front suspension has undergone a complete overhaul, ditching the standard MacPherson strut setup for a multilink suspension that enhances handling and precision, especially in high-speed turns.

High-Octane Heart: The Mighty Drivetrain

At the heart of the GTD lies a powerful 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, dubbed the "modified Predator." This beast outputs 815 horsepower and a staggering 664 lb-ft of torque, ensuring exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling driving experience.

Aerodynamics Meets Performance

The GTD doesn’t just rely on raw power; its aerodynamic features play a crucial role. A hydraulically actuated rear wing and a sophisticated underbody design work together to optimize downforce and stability at high speeds, ensuring the car remains glued to the track.

What’s It Like Behind the Wheel?

My first experience with the GTD was on an autocross track. With modes to switch between Normal and Track settings, the vehicle transformed dramatically. In Track mode, it felt like an extension of my will, perfectly adapting to every turn and straightaway.

The Verdict: A Bold Statement From Ford

Is the GTD too much of a Mustang, or not enough? That's the hot debate. For $330,000, the interior might feel underwhelming compared to its exotic competitors, yet the GTD stands as Ford's audacious gamble—a showcase of what can be achieved with the Mustang legacy. Whether you love it or loathe it, one thing’s for sure: the Mustang GTD commands attention, drawing in fans and enthusiasts alike.