Posted on 08/18/2023 6:28:20 AM PDT by Red Badger
You may have seen rumors on Facebook and elsewhere about a mid-engine Mustang. Sounds somewhat preposterous, no? What business does Ford have building a Mustang — a secretary’s car, mind you — that competes with the C8 Corvette? Except with the Mustang GTD, its sights are higher.
Suspend any thoughts Ford is bringing you a modern-day Pantera with a prancing horse stuck on the front. As a proper pony car, Ford is introducing the Mustang GTD as something more than just a step up from the Dark Horse — it’s a Mustang reinvented. First shown to a small group in Las Vegas this past Monday (including our cohorts across the street at Barrett-Jackson), the Mustang GTD will be a flagship, a supercar wrapped in a carbon fiber Mustang body to take on the Europeans at Le Mans in 2024.
GTD will be built in partnership with Multimatic, the same partnership that led to (among other vehicles) the Ford GT. In fact, Multimatic was working on the GTD race car when Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, proclaimed, “We need a street version of that.”
So, what are some of the major features of this track monster?
800-plus horsepower with dry sump system
Rear transaxle
Inboard, active suspension
Magnesium wheels
Carbon ceramic brakes
Titanium exhaust system
Carbon fiber all over, including the giant wing
The Mustang GTD is all about power, braking, and balance. It’s a well-rounded machine that’s strong in all areas.
So, yes, the rumor about a mid-engine Mustang was true. No, it’s not going to have its engine relocated to the rear; rather, the engine will stay up front but behind the front axle. Yes, you will be able to buy a copy of this homologation special. No, we don’t know the cost to you, nor do we know anything else about the engine.
But, if you’re a Mustang fan and have always dreamed of a road-going Mustang race car, then the Mustang GTD is your ticket.
Modern-day Pantera
De Tomaso Pantera GT5 from 1984
Say it isn’t so!
I have sweet dreams about my ‘77 four-bolt main Z car. And I am a truck guy. You could not pull me off a Chevy if you wanted. That’s my truck. 3/4 HD. 200k+ and I’m still in love.
What are you seeing?
I'm seeing a perfect 50/50 front/rear weight distribution.
My Z had a blueprint 350 bored 40 over. Tennessee Racing Stage 2 Competition Cam.
Fast. Ate 5.0s for breakfast, lunch and supper.
30 years later everyone is building an Acura NSX
If you took time on 35, she gave you a generous 28 gpm. Other than that she drank like a fish. Drank 1/8 a tank on the 1/4. Fast.
Agreed. Gaslighting meets automakers.
They wrote that the engine is “behind the front axle.” It’s obvious it is squarely on top of the front wheel centerline - looks like they maybe moved the engine a couple inches rearward to improve weight distribution.
According to reports they gushing money as NOBODY wants EV’s...
As soon as I saw the body design, I knew that they had lied.
That stated, a true mid-engine Mustang with that design would have been awesome looking and likely would have impressed equally with its performance.
Ford Stock price $12.40 per share
Not many left but they always keep you warm.
I was initially upset with the Mach-E using the Mustang name.
Then my wife bought one and I found to be a kick to drive. (I’m old school...I drive E-90 manual.)
The issue I foresee with the Euro-Mustang is the loss of a manual transmission option. The new Corvette (which is terrific) lost it due to the mid-engine placement.)
I don’t think it’s a demand issue. It’s a price issue: Ford raised the price of the Mach-E Premium by EIGHT THOUSAND DOLLARS after my wife ordered hers in February last year. That was just plain greed, Now they’re rolling back SOME of the increase.
Does the Corvette have electronic shifting?...............
No true Mustang fan wants this. Simple, longitudinally-mounted engines shafted to a solid axles is what Mustangs are really all about.
One of the favorites
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