All-New Ford Mustang GTD Makes European Debut at Le Mans

Jun 12, 2024
<2 MIN READ
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LE MANS, France – High performance, premium function, and unmatched sophistication – the Ford Mustang GTD Carbon Series, making its European debut at this weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, excels in every category.

From a new Performance pack that enhances its agility to a driver-focused interior to exposed carbon fibre elements that showcase its cutting-edge construction, the Mustang GTD, in eye-catching Chroma Flame paint, is making a bold statement at the famous Circuit de la Sarthe in France.

Mustang GTD’s Performance package is a key component in the quest for a sub-7-minute lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It adds dive planes and a larger splitter to the front fascia, underbody flaps, and a drag reduction system to the rear wing. The active aerodynamic elements reduce drag in a straight line without sacrificing aerodynamic grip while cornering.

Many sports cars excel at one thing. But for a car to set a quick lap at the Nürburgring, it needs to be great at everything. Cornering, grip, braking, acceleration, there’s not a single area where it can’t shine.
Greg Goodall
Mustang GTD Chief Engineer

The Performance pack also includes a Lightweight package, which removes some sound-deadening material and adds stunning 20-inch magnesium wheels, in addition to a unique front fascia. And while the Performance pack is featured on this Carbon Series model, it’s available across the Mustang GTD range.

“Many sports cars excel at one thing. But for a car to set a quick lap at the Nürburgring, it needs to be great at everything. Cornering, grip, braking, acceleration, there’s not a single area where it can’t shine,” said Mustang GTD Chief Engineer Greg Goodall. “From the lightweight carbon fibre body on every GTD to the active aerodynamics of the Performance package, we’ve learned from motorsport how to make the Mustang GTD excel everywhere, all in the quest for a sub-seven-minute lap of the Nürburgring.”

A driver’s confidence is essential to a car’s performance and Mustang GTD can keep drivers focused and aware on every corner, chicane and straightaway. Standard Recaro seats are up to the task, working in tandem with a new Mustang GTD steering wheel. Le Mans marks the first ever showing of the GTD interior.

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    Mustang GTD’s driver-focused interior with large 3D-printed titanium paddle shifters, standard Recaro seats, and a thick-rimmed flat-bottom steering wheel with additional driver controls
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The flat-bottom steering wheel features a thick, well-padded rim with premium Dinamica inserts and a leather wrap, along with carbon fibre inserts. Exclusive to the Mustang GTD are buttons on the steering wheel, for adjusting the suspension firmness and exhaust mode, letting drivers keep their eyes on the road while adjusting how their Mustang GTD performs in corners and sounds when accelerating.

Two new buttons also join the hero panel ahead of the rotary gear selector to access the Track Apps page, and activate a front-axle lift function to help avoid car park and driveway obstacles.

Drivers also have greater control over how the standard eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle manages the supercharged 5.2-litre V8’s targeted 800-plus horsepower, thanks to impossible-to-miss 3D-printed titanium paddle shifters. Oversized and featuring a hexagonal pattern that’s both light and gives the driver’s fingers something to grip, it’s yet another example of Ford using motorsports to improve the driving experience. Titanium trimming is also available on the rotary gear selector on the centre console.

"Mustang GTD does far more than elevate the Mustang’s performance envelope. It brings a new more focused, premium feel to the cabin,” said Design Manager Anthony Colard.

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Check out this animation from the Mustang GTD instrument cluster and share on social media using #WeAreFord

Applications Now Open in Europe

Mustang GTD’s European debut aligns with the official opening of the application window for the European market. At 13:00 CET on June 13, prospective Mustang GTD customers in Europe can go to TheMustangGTD.com and apply to purchase the most advanced, audacious Mustang ever.

The Ford Mustang GTD will remain on display throughout the 24 Hours of Le Mans weekend. Its next appearance will be later in June at the 24 Hours of Spa, before joining the Ford contingent at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.