Peter Lyon
December 12, 2024
In a surprising development, a rather special Mustang has just become the first American car to break Nurburging’s 7-minute lap record.
Piloted by German-born Ford factory driver Dirk Müller, the Mustang GTD recently trod all over the laws of physics to post a super quick lap time of 6:57.685 around the 20.82-kilometer long ‘Green Hell.’ Even though the lightning fast lap was run in August this year Ford has only now decided to release the news.
There have only been about 20 “production” cars that have gone under seven minutes including the Porsche 911 GTS RS (6:44) and Lamborghini Aventador SVJ (6:44). Some carmakers use non-standard tyres or make it difficult to distinguish between modified and production rubber, which is why the “production” disclaimer is in place. Still, it’s a significant accomplishment that shows the 815-hp Mustang GTD is capable of some real performance.
With the Mustang GTD, the Blue Oval made no secret of its goal: to challenge the continental automakers on their home ground. It’s a terrific start. Back in August, Ford dispatched CEO Jim Farley and a horde of development engineers to the ‘Ring. The attempt was nearly derailed by the damp conditions, but the weather cleared and the track sufficiently dried out for Müller to complete three laps in pursuit of glory.
Müller told the assembled media that he was convinced the Mustang GTD could go quicker after he beat the seven-minute barrier on the first lap. The Mustang GTD is not your typical special edition pony car with stickers and stripes. In essence, it is a road-ready conversion of a GT3 race car. All of the exotic supercar requirements are present, including wider track, active aerodynamics, adjustable ride height, and inboard laydown rear suspension. A supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine delivers 815 hp and is mated to a rear-mounted eight-speed, Tremec dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Just how long with this souped-up Mustang hold the record for American cars? Because Chevrolet’s incredible 1,064-hp Corvette ZR1 has the potential to knock the GTD off the top spot, and very soon. But expect Ford to return the ‘Ring in 2025 to better that 6:57 time.
