Ford Motor Company Introduces Supercharged Mustang GTD
Monterey Car Week 2023 witnessed the debut of Ford Motor Company’s latest creation, the Mustang GTD. This new addition to the Mustang lineup incorporates the supercar race car recipe into an everyday pony car, offering supercharged performance and a price tag of around $300,000. Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, shared more details about the car with attendees at The Quail event.
Farley explained that the Mustang has become the world’s best-selling coupe, surprising many with its popularity. Ford aims to capitalize on this success and expand its presence in global motorsports by venturing into new territories with the Mustang, including GT4, GT3, and amateur racing. The company’s goal is to build a business around racing Mustangs and compete with major players like Aston Martin, Mercedes, and Porsche.
The Mustang GTD is not your average Mustang; it represents the pinnacle of the Mustang lineup. With a transaxle setup, a supercharged 5.2-liter engine producing 800 horsepower, and a trick suspension system, it is essentially a European-style race car designed for road use. The car features cutting-edge technology, including a DRS system and advanced traction and electronic stability control. Ford wants the GTD to perform just like a race car, something that European manufacturers have yet to achieve with their road cars.
When asked about customer demand, Farley expressed confidence that there will be a market for the Mustang GTD. He drew on the success of Ford’s previous track cars, such as the Mark 2 and Mark 4 GT, which were more popular than initially expected. Farley believes the GTD will attract not only existing Mustang enthusiasts but also American car buyers who typically opt for brands like Porsche, Aston Martin, and Mercedes.
Shifting gears to Ford’s electrification efforts, Farley discussed the company’s recent earnings and the progress of its transformation. The Pro business, focusing on commercial vehicles, has been more profitable than anticipated. The Blue business, centered around hybrid models like the F-150 and the Maverick, has also performed well. However, Ford highlighted the challenge of profitability in the e-business, acknowledging that customers have shown interest in electric vehicles but have been hesitant to pay a premium.
Farley emphasized the importance of understanding the human aspect of transitioning to electrification. He personally drove an F-150 Lightning across California and was enlightened by the human elements involved, such as charging infrastructure and trip planning. Furthermore, Ford’s recent hire of Peter Stern, a seasoned tech executive, as the head of consumer software indicates the company’s commitment to bridging the gap between customer expectations and vehicle software capabilities.
As the automotive industry undergoes a digital revolution, Ford recognizes the need to adapt and provide cutting-edge software solutions to meet customer demands. The Mustang GTD and the advancements in electrification and software represent Ford’s commitment to innovation and staying ahead in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.