The Mustang GTD’s Unmatched Racing Performance on Display

Performance is at the heart of the all-new Mustang GTD, yet its artistry and craftsmanship are equally prominent, particularly within its innovative cabin. This space is designed not only for driving excellence but also to showcase its state-of-the-art, race-ready suspension.

“The rear suspension is designed for purpose, but it’s also just a beautiful thing to look at,” said Jim Owens, Mustang GTD marketing manager. “It would have been a shame for us to hide it away never to be seen. With the suspension window, owners can admire the blue and gold accents on the dampers without removing the tech panel, and the passenger can literally watch the suspension in action.”

Measuring roughly 24 inches wide by 10 inches tall and made of polycarbonate with a scratch-resistant coating on both sides, the suspension window puts the hard work of the engineering teams on display like a finely crafted precision timepiece.

“With a car as capable as Mustang GTD, we had to do something that’s just plain cool and owners will appreciate,” Owens added.

The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD exemplifies race-proven technology adapted for road use, featuring active aerodynamics, a carbon-fiber body, magnesium wheels, and a rear transaxle. The centerpiece of this track-to-road innovation is its semi-active suspension, making the Mustang GTD the most track-capable production Mustang ever.

“We’ve never done a suspension like this on Mustang,” said Greg Goodall, Mustang GTD Chief Program Engineer. “To meet the aggressive lap time targets we set, we looked to motorsports for that inspiration to do something really advanced. This cutting-edge suspension and advanced dampers are key to turning a Mustang into a Mustang GTD.”

The Mustang GTD’s inboard rear suspension – with shocks and springs positioned low and between the rear wheels rather than inline and above them – is a prime example of Ford integrating track technology into a road car. Coupled with a strong, stiff, and weight-efficient motorsport-style tubular subframe, the track-derived DNA in the Mustang GTD’s rear end is unmistakable.

Multimatic’s proprietary Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers enhance this setup, going beyond racing norms. Capable of shifting from their softest to firmest setting in just 15 milliseconds – six times faster than a blink – these dampers continuously adapt based on drive mode, road surface, and driver inputs, ensuring the Michelin tires maintain optimal road contact.

“Adaptive damping allows more flexibility in absolute ride performance compared to a passive damper,” said Scott Keefer, vice president of Multimatic engineering. “It lets you decouple the ride versus handling compromise that you would normally make in damper tuning. Our system is a double win in that adjustments feel very analog, very natural in terms of motion control.”

Each damper in the Mustang GTD employs a dual spring mechanism. When driving on the street, both springs work together for a comfortable ride. Activating the driver-selectable Track mode hydraulically compresses one of the springs, nearly doubling the spring rate and lowering the vehicle by approximately 40 millimeters (about 1.6 inches) to maximize track performance.

The stiffer spring rate enhances mechanical grip, while the firmer springs improve aerodynamic grip, countering aerodynamic squat and maintaining a broad tire contact patch during high-speed maneuvers.

The Mustang GTD will make its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, followed by appearances at the 24 Hours of Spa and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The summer will be spent testing in Europe, culminating in an attempt to achieve a sub-seven-minute lap at Germany’s legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife later this year.

The Mustang GTD is not just about unparalleled performance; it’s a masterpiece of engineering and design. With its transparent suspension window and race-derived technology, this vehicle embodies the fusion of art and engineering excellence. As it prepares to take on some of the world’s most challenging tracks, the Mustang GTD stands as a testament to Ford’s commitment to innovation and driving pleasure.

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