Ford’s Mustang GTD has garnered much attention for many reasons, one in particular is due to its innovative rear suspension system, a first in the Mustang’s six-decade history. This semi-active inboard pushrod suspension, originally developed for the Mustang GT3 race car, is showcased proudly by Ford. Instead of a rear seat, the GTD features a “suspension window” made of polycarbonate, allowing a clear view of the unique setup.
This window, approximately two feet in length, reveals the horizontally mounted springs and large dampers situated between the rear wheels. The race-inspired configuration includes two springs per damper, providing a comfortable ride on regular roads. However, when track mode is activated, one spring is hydraulically compressed, effectively doubling the spring rate and lowering the ride height by an inch and a half, enhancing grip and handling.
Ford has shared a video demonstrating the suspension in action on a track, offering a rare glimpse into its dynamic performance. This visual insight is captivating, even for those without an engineering background, showcasing the constant movement and functionality of the springs and dampers.
Greg Goodall, the Chief Program Engineer for the Mustang GTD, highlighted the uniqueness of this suspension system. He emphasized the influence of motorsport in achieving the ambitious lap time goals, stating that the advanced suspension and dampers are crucial in transforming a regular Mustang into the GTD model.
Beyond its sophisticated suspension, the Mustang GTD boasts a supercharged V-8 engine delivering over 800 horsepower, although the exact figure is yet to be confirmed. This power is directed to a rear-mounted transaxle, aiming for nearly perfect weight distribution. Coupled with the advanced suspension and minimal luxury features, Ford aims for the GTD to achieve a sub-7-minute lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, potentially making it the fastest American production car on the track, surpassing the Dodge Viper ACR’s time of 7:01.03.
Ford plans to produce the GTD in limited quantities, with a two-year run building a few hundred units annually, each priced around $325,000. Despite this high cost, the demand is substantial, with over 7,500 prospective buyers already expressing interest.
