Ford Mustang GTD Breaks 7-Minute Barrier at Nürburgring—A Victory for American Cars

Ford Achieves Record with Mustang GTD
Fastest Record Among American Mass-Produced Vehicles
Beats Porsche 911 GT3 by 2 Seconds

Ford has made automotive history with the Mustang GTD, setting a new lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. This milestone marks the first time an American mass-produced vehicle has broken the 7-minute barrier on the world’s most challenging circuit, with a lap time of 6 minutes, 57.685 seconds.

Ford’s achievement shocked the industry, surpassing the previous record held by the Porsche 911 GT3 (6 minutes, 59.93 seconds) by a mere 2 seconds. The Mustang GTD, which boasts 815 horsepower, has proven that American muscle can compete with the world’s most renowned sports cars.

A Monumental Achievement for American Muscle

The Mustang GTD’s success on the Nürburgring is not just a record—it’s a testament to Ford’s engineering capabilities. Ford CEO Jim Farley expressed his pride in the achievement, calling it “a great feat” and declaring, “We are the first American brand to achieve a sub-seven-minute record at the Nürburgring.”

Farley also hinted that this might not be the limit for the Mustang GTD, stating, “This record is just the beginning. The Mustang GTD has the potential to go even faster.”

Track-Ready Performance and Advanced Engineering

The Mustang GTD is no ordinary performance car. Developed with a focus on track driving, it features a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that delivers an impressive 815 horsepower. This power, combined with its advanced engineering, allows the vehicle to achieve top speeds of 202 mph. What sets the Mustang GTD apart is that it’s a mass-produced car, not a limited-edition track-only model, making this level of performance accessible to enthusiasts worldwide.

Ford collaborated with Multimatic, a FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) chassis specialist, to develop the Mustang GTD’s high-performance features. The result is a car equipped with semi-active suspension, an active aerodynamic system, and carbon ceramic brakes that ensure optimal performance even under extreme conditions.

Hypercar-Level Performance in a Production Car

The Mustang GTD incorporates a range of high-tech components, including a dry sump oil system for maximum engine lubrication and an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission for smooth, quick gear changes. These features combine to give the car exceptional track-focused performance. Its top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph) puts it on par with hypercars but within the realm of mass production.

Distinctive Design and Premium Pricing

Visually, the Mustang GTD blends functionality with bold design. The large rear wing and race-inspired body kit are designed to reduce air resistance while enhancing the car’s aggressive appearance. The base price of the Mustang GTD starts at $325,000 in the U.S., with additional performance packages available for those seeking even more performance.

Documentary Captures the Record-Breaking Journey

Meanwhile, Ford is attracting the attention of fans and industry insiders by releasing a documentary that details the moments and processes that led to this record. The documentary details how the Mustang GTD achieved the record in the extreme environment of the Nürburgring and the challenges and innovations encountered along the way, vividly conveying Ford’s technological prowess and brand philosophy.