The Mustang, a name that has become synonymous with American muscle cars, is again in the spotlight with the introduction of the limited-edition Mustang GTD. This new model has stirred both excitement and debate among automotive enthusiasts, especially as it represents a significant departure from the current trend toward electric vehicles. The Mustang GTD, priced around $270,000, is equipped with a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine from the Shelby GT500, producing an impressive 815 horsepower. This marks a bold statement in an era increasingly dominated by electric cars, catering to traditionalists who value an internal combustion engine’s raw power, exhaust sounds, and supercharger whine.
Comparing lap times with the Porsche 911 GT3
There is a car called the so-called circuit monster. It is the Porsche 911 GT3 model. There are even people who buy this vehicle specifically for the circuit. However, if the price range is about $270,000, it is a more expensive model than the 911 GT3, and the customer base that can easily buy it will not consider the cost-effectiveness, so I wonder how effective it is. Of course, it is important to show how it looks in general driving rather than just driving on the circuit, but since the category is racing, let’s compare the lap times.
If you check the latest Porsche 911’s Nurburgring lap time, it has a record of 6 minutes 49.328 seconds. Mustang GTD’s Nurburgring record is 6 minutes 57.685 seconds, slightly behind Porsche. However, it is the first American sports car to achieve a record in the 6-minute range, and above the Mustang GTD are models from brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-Benz AMG. It is certainly noteworthy since it is an achievement of a mass brand like Ford.
Defying expectations: The agile pony car
Cornering at 186 mph
Pony cars, like the Mustang, have traditionally been known for their straight-line speed, often at the expense of handling. This reputation stems from their heavy front-end design, where the large engine usually creates a weight imbalance, making cornering a challenge. In the U.S., the popularity of drag racing and NASCAR has often overshadowed circuit racing, where agility and cornering prowess are more important. However, the Mustang GTD defies these expectations. During a recent Nurburgring test, the GTD could corner at 186 mph (300 km/h) without significant oversteer or understeer. This remarkable performance is likely due to the car’s near 50:50 weight distribution, enhancing its balance and cornering capability, offering a fresh driving experience that has excited many Mustang enthusiasts.
The price of exclusivity
A last hurrah for internal combustion?
Despite its performance capabilities, the Mustang GTD comes with a hefty price tag, placing it in a competitive space with the Porsche 911 GT3, which also hovers around the $270,000 mark. While the 911 GT3 holds a slight advantage in lap time, the Mustang GTD’s uniqueness as an American sports car offers its own appeal. The price and performance will appeal mainly to hardcore enthusiasts willing to invest in the Mustang’s storied legacy and performance potential.
Ford has clarified that an electric version of the Mustang is not currently in the works. The Mustang name is so deeply intertwined with Ford’s identity that the company will unlikely shift away from its internal combustion engine roots. However, with tightening environmental regulations and moving toward electric vehicles, some have raised concerns about the future of high-displacement, multi-cylinder engines. The Mustang GTD may be a final nod to the era of traditional performance cars, but its continued viability in an increasingly eco-conscious world remains uncertain. The question remains: how will the Mustang GTD stand out as an internal combustion vehicle in this new era of electrification?
