Ford's initial attempt to conquer the legendary Nürburgring, known as the "Green Hell," resulted in a remarkable lap time of 6:57.685. Behind the wheel was Ford factory driver Dirk Müller, leading a team of development engineers, drivers, and even Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley. This achievement made the Mustang GTD the fifth fastest and the only American car in the sub-seven-minute category.
- Mustang GTD Time: 6:57.685
- Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Time: 7:10.52
- Gap: Over 13 seconds
Ford has thus cemented its status as the first North American automaker to break this elusive barrier.
Ford's feat didn’t stop there. In a subsequent attempt, the GTD shaved over five seconds off its initial run, rewriting its record with a blistering time of 6:52.072. This second triumph is captured in Ford's 14-minute documentary, "Road to the ‘Ring," showcasing its journey to the historic lap.
- Engine: 800-hp supercharged 5.2-liter V-8
- Transmission: Rear-mounted dual-clutch automatic transaxle
- Features:
- Inboard laydown rear suspension
- Adjustable ride height
- Wider track
- Active aerodynamics
With such a formidable setup, it’s no surprise the GTD has become the fastest North American production sports car at the ‘Ring. Car enthusiasts now eagerly await Chevrolet’s response, perhaps with the Corvette ZR1.
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The Ford Mustang GTD has achieved a phenomenal accomplishment by lapping the Nürburgring in under seven minutes. Initially setting a lap time of 6:57.685, Ford later improved it to 6:52.072—establishing the GTD as the fastest American production sports car on the track. This performance leap not only beats the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 by over 13 seconds but also underscores Ford's racing prowess.