Ford’s new 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is a limited-run, street-legal interpretation of the Mustang GT3 race car. Built as a high-performance halo model, the GTD pairs a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 with race-grade hardware and active aerodynamics to deliver approximately 815 horsepower and nearly 670 lb-ft of torque. The road car is intentionally extreme, featuring a rear-mounted dual-clutch transaxle, inboard suspension, full carbon-fiber body panels (doors excepted), and active hydraulic aero, and carries a base price around $325,000. Ford plans to build roughly 300–700 units per year, and the model is reported sold out for the 2025–2026 model years.
What makes the Ford Mustang GTD best?
The Mustang GTD is Ford’s most extreme Mustang to date, a purpose-built road car developed from the brand’s GT3 race program but amplified for street use. Unlike the race car (restricted under class rules), the GTD’s unregulated powertrain produces over 800 hp, making it the most powerful and most expensive Mustang Ford has offered. The GTD deliberately sacrifices everyday practicality (no rear seats, virtually no trunk space) to prioritize track capability, exclusivity and performance.
Ford Mustang GTD Key specifications
- Engine: Supercharged 5.2-liter V8
- Power/Torque: ~815 hp and ~670 lb-ft (approx.)
- Transmission: Dual-clutch automatic transaxle mounted rearward (in the trunk area)
- Driveline layout: Front engine, rear transaxle (transaxle configuration)
- Bodywork: Carbon-fiber panels (doors are the only exception)
- Brakes & Tires: Carbon-ceramic brakes; Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires
- Notable tech: Inboard suspension, active hydraulic aerodynamic flaps, front axle lifter, adaptive Multimatic suspension
- Price & production: Base ≈ $325,000; production target ~300–700 units/year; sold out for 2025–26 (per Ford)
- Special options: Performance package with extra hydraulics and aero, magnesium wheels option, personalized color lockout, optional 3D-printed cockpit controls derived from a retired F-22 jet (available at extra cost)
Design & aerodynamic engineering
The Ford Mustang GTD borrows GT3 race geometry and translates it into a distinctive road-car silhouette:
- Widebody stance with significantly flared fenders and large front-fender vents that channel airflow and distinguish the car visually.
- A massive rear wing is mounted on the C-pillar via prominent mounts, not on the trunk lid. The wing incorporates hydraulically actuated flaps that continuously adjust angle to maximize downforce across differing speeds and cornering loads.
- Multiple cooling ducts – including intakes that feed rearward cooling systems and vents integrated into the trunk area — support the car’s rear-mounted transaxle, hydraulic systems and other mechanical components.
- Most exterior panels (hood, trunk, fenders, bumpers) are carbon fiber, with functional hood vents that can be removed trackside to increase cooling.
Chassis, suspension and braking
- The GTD’s inboard suspension (mounted away from the wheels) is visible through a dedicated interior window that lets occupants observe suspension articulation in real time — a unique, race-inspired detail.
- The car uses Multimatic-developed adaptive suspension, capable of significant ride-height changes: racetrack mode automatically lowers the car by roughly 1.5 inches.
- Carbon-ceramic brakes and race-oriented Michelin tires underline the car’s track focus. Optional magnesium wheels reduce unsprung mass.
- Many aerodynamic and underbody elements are active; the performance package adds hydraulic flaps that further enhance lap-time performance.
Packaging & mechanical layout, why the trunk and transaxle matter
To achieve ideal weight distribution and packaging for a race-derived road car, Ford relocated the transmission to the rear, creating a transaxle layout. This transaxle and the GTD’s hydraulic systems occupy the entire rear compartment, rendering the trunk effectively inaccessible for cargo. Access to the trunk requires removing the trunk body panel after releasing external pins, a deliberate trade-off for performance and cooling functionality.
Ford Mustang GTD Interior & driver-facing features
- The cabin retains some Mustang Darkhorse elements but is upgraded with race-oriented seats, carbon-fiber trim, and GTD-specific branding (VIN-based plaque on the dash).
- Rear seats are omitted to save weight and to expose the suspension window.
- Driver aids and track tools are integrated into the infotainment and gauge cluster: configurable track apps (lap timer, acceleration/braking logs), launch control, line lock, and the ability to enable/disable active aerodynamics.
- Paddle shifters, shift dial options and an optional 3D-printed control set (sourced from retired F-22 components in certain packages) offer further personalization for buyers.
Ford Mustang GTD On-road impressions
According to a first-drive review, the Ford Mustang GTD proves to be surprisingly drivable on public roads for a track-focused halo car. Key impressions include:
- Power delivery: Massive, immediate acceleration from the supercharged V8; the dual-clutch transmission shifts quickly but can feel mechanical and slightly jerky at low speeds, a characteristic of extreme track-oriented drivetrains.
- Steering & handling: Extremely sharp and precise steering, with exceptional mechanical grip and composure through corners. The car is described as remarkably planted and predictable under high lateral loads.
- Ride comfort: Harsh compared with mainstream cars, but tolerable for experienced drivers accustomed to high-performance, track-biased vehicles.
- Sound & presence: The titanium exhaust option provides pronounced acoustics that draw attention.
A numeric evaluation in the cited review assigned the Ford Mustang GTD a Doug score of 68/100, positioning it in the company of elite track-ready sports cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
Options, personalization and exclusivity
Ford offers a broad set of personalization choices, including a color lockout (pay extra to be the only GTD in a chosen color), optional magnesium wheels, and performance upgrade packages. Ford did not publicly disclose individual option pricing; the performance package and other track-focused upgrades are priced privately through dealers or to confirmed customers.
Availability and market positioning
The Ford Mustang GTD is intended as a low-volume halo model. Ford’s stated annual build range is 300–700 units, with initial allocations reportedly sold out for the 2025 and 2026 model years. Ford frames the GTD as a brand statement, an enthusiast-driven expression of the Mustang platform that emphasizes performance, technology and collectibility over mass-market appeal.
Context & significance
The GTD illustrates Ford’s willingness to translate motorsport hardware into road-legal halo cars. By creating a roadgoing platform that exceeds the race car’s power output, Ford prioritizes exclusive performance and ownership experience. The Ford Mustang GTD follows a recent industry trend where manufacturers offer race-inspired, limited-run models to engage collectors and performance enthusiasts while elevating brand image.
Bottom line
The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is a purpose-built, limited-run halo car that transforms the Mustang into a street-legal GT3-inspired machine. With ~815 hp, a rear transaxle layout, full carbon-fiber bodywork, active hydraulic aerodynamics and a focused track setup, the GTD is as much a collector’s item as a performance weapon. Its $325,000 starting price places it in supercar territory, but for buyers seeking a Mustang that doubles as a genuine race-car derivative for the road, the GTD delivers on that promise.
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