Ford Shatters Nürburgring Record with Mustang GTD

The legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany has long been a proving ground for the world’s most elite sports cars. Now, the Ford Mustang GTD has etched its name in history as the first American car from a major manufacturer to conquer the track in under seven minutes.

Clocking an officially certified time of 6:57.685, the 815-horsepower Mustang GTD, driven by Multimatic Motorsports ace Dirk Müller, secured the fifth-fastest lap by a production sports car. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Ford, solidifying the Mustang GTD’s place among the world’s top supercars.

This feat fulfills the ambitious goal set by Ford CEO Jim Farley during the Mustang GTD’s debut in 2023. “We’ve harnessed decades of racing experience to create a Mustang that rivals the best,” Farley declared. “While we’re proud to be the first American automaker to break the seven-minute barrier, we’re constantly striving for improvement.”

The Mustang GTD’s success is a testament to the tireless efforts of a dedicated team of engineers and designers. Over two years, they meticulously transformed the Mustang GT3 race car into a street-legal supercar. Ford documented this remarkable journey in a captivating 13-minute documentary titled “The Road To The Ring.” Available online, the documentary offers a glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and sheer passion that fueled the development of the Mustang GTD.

Viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at the Mustang GTD’s testing process, from iconic American tracks like Sebring to the unforgiving Nürburgring itself. The documentary features key figures like Farley, Müller, and members of the Ford and Multimatic teams, providing valuable insights into the project.

The Mustang GTD represents the pinnacle of Mustang performance, benefiting from knowledge gleaned from the Ford Performance Motorsports and Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3 program, particularly in aerodynamics and Nürburgring-specific setups. However, unlike the GT3 car restricted by racing regulations, the Mustang GTD utilizes cutting-edge technology to achieve its sub-seven-minute lap.

This includes features like carbon-ceramic brakes, a supercharger, and a sophisticated semi-active suspension system. While the record-breaking Mustang GTD remained entirely stock, it did incorporate mandatory Nürburgring safety equipment derived from motorsports, including a competition seat with a racing harness and a roll cage.

The Ford Mustang GTD’s historic achievement at the Nürburgring signifies a new era for American muscle cars, proving their ability to compete with the world’s best on the global stage.