Video: Ford Mustang GTD Puts Its Apex-Feeding Skills to the Test, Devours the Nurburgring

You don't have to be a petrolhead to tell that this is the same car. After all, the license plate is identical. And instead of looking at spy shots, you now have the chance to hear this mighty muscle car developed by the Dearborn company in action, doing what it does best: feasting on apexes.

But why is the Blue Oval so interested in testing the Mustang GTD at the iconic German racetrack that has become a Mecca for driving enthusiasts? To answer this question, we have to go back to the model's unveiling nearly one year ago.

Back then, Ford said it targets a sub-7-minute Nurburgring time in this model, and they're probably warming up for the actual timed lap that should occur sometime this year. There is also the possibility that the Ford Mustang GTD is undergoing some last-minute adjustments. Still, we lean on a timed lap of the racetrack, as it is the most plausible scenario.

One interesting aspect of this pre-production tester is that its exhaust system was modified. Our man with the cam reported that engineers had to install new tailpipes, as the model was apparently too loud for the Nurburgring. Thus, if you think it is quiet for such a beast in the latest spy video shared below, even though it isn't, now you know why.

Ford's Mustang GTD has a semi-active trick suspension with a multi-link setup at the rear. It also has a race-inspired cover for the transaxle cooling system, enhanced aerodynamics with hydraulically controlled flaps at the front and an active wing at the rear, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and sticky tires wrapped around the 20-inch wheels.

But what about the firepower? Ford hasn't revealed much about it besides a targeted 800+ horsepower (811 ps/597 kW). The Mustang GTD packs a V8 engine with a 5.2-liter displacement and supercharging, hooked up to an 8-speed automatic gearbox that deploys everything to the rear axle. The model also has a 50/50 weight distribution, so driving at the racetrack should be very fun.

It comes with a hefty price tag that makes the C8 Corvette look cheap. The Mustang GTD starts at $325,000, which is basically real supercar territory, as that's about as much as a brand-new Ferrari 296 GTB. This muscle car will become available in 2024 or early next year, and Ford will cap its production to make sure that it sells. So, if you had that much money to blow on a vehicle, would you really get the GTD?