Tested: 2025 Ford Mustang GTD Puts the Mustang on Another Plane

The Mustang GTD is an impressive feat of engineering, boasting 815 horsepower from a dry-sump supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine. This makes it the most powerful street-legal Mustang ever produced by Ford, designed to compete against the likes of the Corvette Z06, Ferrari 296 GTB, and Porsche 911 in endurance racing. However, it's not just the raw power that sets the GTD apart; it features a race-derived suspension, carbon-fiber bodywork, and active aerodynamics, elevating the driving experience to a level previously unseen in the Mustang lineup. The GTD's ability to lap the Nürburgring in just 6 minutes and 52 seconds is a testament to its engineering prowess.

Visually, the GTD is a striking departure from its predecessors. It is over six inches wider than other Mustangs, and its aggressive design elements make it look like it belongs on a racetrack rather than the street. The extensive use of carbon fiber, from the rocker panels to the massive front fender vents, not only contributes to its aesthetic appeal but also serves functional purposes, such as channeling cooling air to critical components. This design philosophy is a clear indication of Ford's intention to blend form and function in the GTD.

Driving the Mustang GTD feels like stepping into a different world. Despite its formidable power, the GTD delivers a surprisingly compliant ride. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires, among the widest ever fitted to a production car, provide immense grip, allowing the GTD to corner with astonishing agility. This level of performance is complemented by the car's ability to stop from 70 mph in just 132 feet, showcasing its impressive braking capabilities. However, the true magic of the GTD lies in its suspension, which provides a balanced and neutral driving experience, a far cry from the nose-heavy feel of its predecessors.

One of the standout features of the GTD is its suspension system, which includes a pushrod-actuated multilink setup with horizontally mounted adaptive spool-valve dampers from Multimatic. This sophisticated system, combined with the car's wide stance, ensures that the GTD remains planted during high-speed maneuvers and offers a level of composure rarely seen in vehicles of this caliber. The GTD's ability to seamlessly transition from street driving to track performance is a testament to the engineering efforts that have gone into its development.

Despite its race-focused design, the GTD still offers a degree of everyday usability. Its interior, while sharing some elements with the standard Mustang, features supportive Recaro seats and a unique rear-bulkhead window that provides a view of the suspension system at work. However, some may find the interior lacking the luxury expected from a vehicle with a starting price of $327,960. Nonetheless, the Mustang GTD is more than just a car; it's a statement about the potential of American engineering and a challenge to its European counterparts.

The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD redefines what it means to be a Mustang. With its unprecedented blend of performance, technology, and design, it challenges the very notion of what a pony car can achieve. While its price may raise eyebrows, the GTD offers an experience that justifies its cost, providing a unique blend of track-ready performance and street-legal usability. As Ford continues to push the boundaries of automotive engineering, the Mustang GTD stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and excellence.