After observing the clay prototype of the Ford Mustang GT3 race car at the design studio, Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford, made the decision to transform it into a street-legal vehicle. The goal behind creating the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD was to have a road version of Ford’s upcoming racing car, set to debut at the 24 Hours of Daytona and then proceed to Le Mans.
Not constrained by racing regulations, the GTD street car will possess enhanced power (approximately 800 horsepower) and active aerodynamic features that are prohibited in the series where the Mustang GT3 will compete. Ford’s plan is to manufacture a limited quantity of the street-legal GTD with the aim of pitting it against other top track cars worldwide.
In Farley’s words, “It’s meant to challenge competitors like AMG Black, Aston Martin, and Porsche GT3 RS. We aim to outperform the GT3 RS both at Le Mans and as a road car.” The collaboration of Ford Performance and Multimatic results in the creation of the Mustang GTD.
Ford Performance + Multimatic = Mustang GTD
Developed by Ford Performance and Multimatic, the GTD begins as a standard Mustang body-in-white from the Flat Rock, Michigan plant, then undergoes modifications at Multimatic’s facility in Ontario, Canada. There, the rear of the Mustang is adapted to accommodate the GTD’s transaxle, housing a Tremec eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. A transaxle cooler, situated on the trunk lid, cools the gearbox. While Ford claims that some trunk space remains under the transaxle cooler’s ducting and radiator, this aspect isn’t visible.
The inclusion of a transaxle that connects to the front-mounted engine through a carbon-fiber prop shaft redistributes the weight towards the rear. Ford asserts that the GTD achieves an almost equal 50/50 front-rear balance, a notable contrast to the Mustang Shelby GT500’s distribution of 56.6/43.4 percent. The exact weight of the GTD is currently undisclosed. With the exception of aluminum door skins, carbon fiber forms the remainder of the bodywork.
Addressing the potential query, the option of exposed carbon-fiber panels (similar to those on the GT supercar) is under consideration. However, implementing such an option could prove complex and expensive.
The Enigma of Ford Mustangs
Without a doubt, the GTD is set for high-speed performance. Power is provided by a slightly modified version of the Shelby GT500’s supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine. In GTD form, this supercharged eight-cylinder is projected to produce around 800 horsepower, surpassing the GT500’s 760 horsepower, and reach a redline at 7500 rpm.
A dry-sump oil system is expected to ensure proper lubrication for all eight cylinders during track usage. Despite this addition, the engine’s placement remains the same as in the GT500. An optional titanium exhaust system by Akrapovic releases exhaust gases through two visible pipes from the rear fascia.
It’s presumed that the GTD incorporates a launch-control system to maximize traction from the sizable 345/30ZR-20 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rear tires. Up front, Ford equips the GTD with 325/30ZR-20 tires, one of the widest front-end tire setups seen on a production vehicle.