But buying isn't guaranteed.
In a move that underscores its position in the high-performance automotive market, Ford has initiated an application process for its new Mustang GTD, a street-legal version of the Mustang GT3 race car. With an updated price tag of $325,000, the Mustang GTD not only promises exceptional capabilities but also an exclusivity that necessitates potential buyers to apply for the chance to purchase one.
As part of Ford's strategy to maintain the prestige and rarity of the Mustang GTD, the company has established a dedicated website where interested parties can submit their applications. The application window is open through May 20, and the process is expected to be selective, similar to the approach Ford took with the Ford GT supercar.
The Mustang GTD boasts impressive specifications that justify its hefty price tag. It features a supercharged 5.2-liter V-8 engine producing over 800 horsepower, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle that enhances its balance and handling. The car’s design integrates extensive use of carbon fiber, a giant rear wing, and advanced aerodynamics to deliver a race-car experience on public roads.
Ford's decision to require applications for the GTD purchase reflects a growing trend among automakers who produce highly specialized vehicles in limited quantities. The goal is not just to sell a car, but to cultivate an exclusive community of owners who are likely to cherish and utilize the vehicle as intended, rather than merely adding it to a collection.
Despite its price and the hurdles to ownership, demand for the Mustang GTD is expected to be high. The production run is rumored to be around 1,000 units, though Ford has yet to confirm exact numbers. After the initial U.S. and Canada application phase, Ford plans to expand the opportunity to European, Middle Eastern, and Mexican markets starting in June, indicating a broader yet still exclusive release.
This launch coincides with the 60th anniversary of the Mustang, which debuted at the New York World's Fair in 1964. The Mustang GTD not only celebrates this milestone but also aims to set a new standard for what a Mustang can be, pushing the boundaries between street legal and track performance. As Ford charts the future of one of its most iconic models, the GTD stands as a testament to the enduring allure and evolving legacy of the Mustang name.
