4 Minutes
The Mustang GTD and its place in Ford’s lineup
If you aren’t deeply familiar with Ford’s recent roster, it’s easy to assume the GT still holds the crown as the automaker’s priciest production model. The GT, however, ended production nearly three years ago, leaving the title to a different halo car: the Mustang GTD. Launched two years ago as a track-focused, limited-run Mustang, the GTD stunned enthusiasts with its aggressive aero, race-ready components and a price tag rivaling established supercars.
Design and visual updates
The Mustang GTD’s design is unmistakably extreme — giant rear wing, pronounced splitter, extensive carbon-fiber elements and purposeful vents. Recently a white GTD sample surfaced wearing fresh footwear from HRE Wheels on Instagram. The car features a set of five double-spoke alloys, red brake calipers on each corner, contrasting black trim pieces and that characteristic oversized rear wing. These aesthetic and functional choices enhance both road presence and track performance while signaling its collectible status.
Exterior highlights
- Large rear wing and aggressive aero for increased downforce
- Carbon-fiber accents and race-oriented cooling vents
- Custom HRE five double-spoke alloy wheels and red calipers on the featured car
Performance and specifications
The Mustang GTD is powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 that delivers an astonishing 815 bhp (827 PS / 608 kW). That output places the GTD in rarefied company: it’s as powerful as many modern hypercars and significantly above most factory Mustangs. The GTD shares its S650 platform and cockpit architecture with other Mustang variants, but its chassis tuning, aerodynamics and powertrain calibration are bespoke to the GTD’s track bias.
Key specifications
- Engine: 5.2-liter supercharged V8
- Power: 815 bhp (827 PS / 608 kW)
- Platform: S650 Mustang architecture (track-modified)
Market positioning and pricing
With a starting price of $327,960 after gas guzzler and destination fees, the Mustang GTD sits above many traditional high-performance cars. It’s pricier than the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (MSRP around $250,000) and approaches established exotic territory. For further perspective, the Lamborghini Temerario (the Huracán successor) is estimated to start near $390,000 in many markets. The GTD’s pricing reflects limited production, performance hardware, and collector appeal rather than mainstream Mustang value.
Comparisons and brand strategy
The GTD is not a mass-market muscle car; it’s a halo project designed to showcase Ford Performance’s engineering. Unlike the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, a focused track tool from inception, the GTD started life as a Mustang derivative with extensive race upgrades. Rumors about a mid-engine layout during early testing were debunked, with camouflage and faux vents misleading observers. Ford appears to be careful about internal product cannibalization — reports suggest the forthcoming Shelby GT500 successor may target around 800 hp, likely slightly below the GTD to preserve the GTD’s halo status.
Is the GTD a future collectible?
The combination of limited volume, extreme performance and unique visual cues make the Mustang GTD a likely candidate for future collectibility. The recent HRE Wheels-equipped white example only underscores the appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who might choose a high-performance Mustang over a similarly priced exotic sports car. Still, the question remains: would you spend new supercar money on a track-focused Mustang? For many fans, the GTD’s character and pedigree answer that definitively — but it’s ultimately a personal choice.
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