Ford has definitively created the greatest Mustang in the nameplate’s storied history: the Gran Turismo Daytona, or GTD. This limited-run, $330,000-plus machine was explicitly engineered to be a street-legal variant of the Mustang GT3 race car, unburdened by motorsport class restrictions. Its primary objective was monumental: completing a lap of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschliefe in less than seven minutes.
The GTD is a technical marvel built around a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine that unleashes an astonishing 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. While the sheer power is undeniable—it runs to 60 mph in less than three seconds—the central question remains: Does this six-figure pony car truly enter the exclusive domain of supercars like its price-point competitors from Ferrari and McLaren?
Track-Ready Engineering
To meet its ambitious performance goals, Ford radically transformed the base Mustang platform. Key to its capability is an advanced, race-derived setup that includes active aerodynamics featuring a Drag Reduction System (DRS). This system uses hydraulic lines to adjust the angle of the massive rear wing and activate flaps located under the front of the car, optimizing downforce and maximizing straight-line speed (an estimated 202 mph top speed).
In the rear, where a standard Mustang’s back seats once sat, there is now a large window offering a view of the vehicle’s innovative, inboard pushrod suspension system, which utilizes semi-active dampers. This setup, along with the standard carbon-ceramic brakes, helps the GTD manage high-G forces and provides supreme stability. Power is delivered via a rear-mounted transaxle and massive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (325/30R-20 up front, 345/30R-20 in the rear). A dry-sump oil system was integrated to maintain engine lubrication during sustained high-g cornering, enabling a slightly elevated maximum engine speed of 7,650 rpm.
On-Road Impressions and The Supercar Debate
The GTD’s engineering triumph was confirmed in May when it successfully circled the Nürburgring in 6:52.072, handily clearing the seven-minute target, though just missing the record held by the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
However, the reviewer’s drive experience on Angeles Crest Highway introduced a notable counterpoint to its supercar aspirations: weight. The GTD clocks in at a hefty 4,343 pounds—over 1,000 pounds more than the rival 911 GT3 RS. While Ford successfully employed its engineering to manage this mass without making the handling feel artificial, the weight remains a pervasive presence.
Acceleration is “suitably amazing,” and the GTD corners with impressive stability and minimal body roll. Yet, when compared directly to contemporaries like the Ferrari 296 or McLaren 750S—which share a similar sticker price—the GTD’s character diverges. Its electric power-assist steering feels heavier, offering a sense of feedback that aligns more with a traditional muscle car than the light, surgical precision of a true sports car or supercar.
Drivers found the GTD to be exceptionally competent, highly aggressive, and capable of dominating any road. It is, without a doubt, the ultimate execution of the Mustang concept. While it may lack the feather-light touch and efficient cornering of its European competitors, the GTD deserves every accolade for what it achieved with its curb weight. This is, unequivocally, the greatest Mustang ever built, marking a massive accomplishment for the Blue Oval.
Highlight Table: 2026 Mustang GTD Key Metrics
| Metric | Detail |
| Engine Configuration | Supercharged 5.2L V8 (Dry-Sump) |
| Target Output | 815 Horsepower |
| Curb Weight | 4,343 pounds |
| Aerodynamics | Active Drag Reduction System (DRS) |
| Nürburgring Lap Time | 6:52.072 |
| Max Speed (Claimed) | 202 mph |
| Rear Suspension | Inboard Pushrod with Semi-Active Dampers |
| Estimated Price | ~$330,000 |
Conclusion
The 2026 Ford Mustang GTD represents a seismic shift in American performance, successfully achieving its sub-seven-minute Nürburgring goal and proving itself a world-class track machine. While its considerable 4,343-pound curb weight and muscle-car steering feel prevent it from claiming the same lightweight, surgical mantle as some supercar rivals, it is undeniably the ultimate iteration of the Mustang. The GTD is more than just a performance car; it is a legendary engineering achievement for Ford.