The Ford Mustang GTD Runs Riot around the ‘Ring
Not satisfied with being the quickest American car around the Nurburgring, now the Mustang GTD has gone five seconds faster. Not the actual car but a GTD, nonetheless.
The track-only Mustang GTD was the fastest American production car to ever lap the legendary circuit. It also broke the 7min mark for the feat, running a 6-minute, 57-second lap late last year. After some tweaks they've had another shot. Included are an updated powertrain calibration, a revised chassis with more torsional rigidity, a reworked ABS and TC system, and a refined aero set-up. The upshot was subtracting five seconds from the previous best, with a time of 6min 52.072sec. This is what it eclipsed, the Porsche 918 holding the previous title at 6min 57sec.
The latest Mustang GTD is quicker around the 'Ring now than the Porsche 918 Spyder, previously the overall record holder for a production car. It's also quicker than the latest 911 GT3, the Ferrari 296 GTB, and the Lamborghini Aventador SV. The holder of the quickest lap for a production car is Mercedes-AMG One at 6min29sec.
This may wear a familiar body but it is no regular Mustang. The GTD is essentially a ground-up build with a Mustang body over the top. It features a rear-mounted eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that connects to the engine via a carbon fibre torque tube. Semi-active suspension is developed by Multimatic and is track trick. As much as anything this reflects how far tyre and suspension technology have come in 12 years since Porsche set the record with the 918.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Autocar
2 days ago
- NZ Autocar
SADD Marks 40 Years of Empowering Kiwi Youth for Road Safety
Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD) is celebrating 40 years of helping young New Zealanders make safer choices on the road. A news item about SADD from The Dominion, 1991. Originally founded in the United States in 1981, the movement arrived in New Zealand in 1985. It started here thanks to an American exchange student at Mahurangi College. Initially known as Students Against Driving Drunk and supported by Rotary and the AA, SADD grew into a national organisation by the late 1980s. Today, it involves over 200 schools and stands as Australasia's only student-led road safety education programme. In 2014, SADD expanded its focus to become Students Against Dangerous Driving. That reflects a broader commitment to tackling a wider range of road risks, including speeding, seatbelt use, driver fatigue, and mobile phone distractions. The group has shifted away from using scare tactics towards peer-to-peer education, recognising the effectiveness of youth influence in promoting safer behaviour. SADD conference. General Manager Donna Govorko says SADD's strength lies in its ability to evolve with young people's needs, supporting students not only with safety messaging but also on securing their driver licence. A recent AA Research Foundation survey of 1000 young drivers highlighted the importance of this work. Two-thirds admitted to speeding, and over one-fifth had driven without a seatbelt or had used social media while driving. One-third had been involved in a crash in the past five years. SADD's approach includes leadership development, evidence-based programmes, and national conferences to foster a youth-led safety culture. Its 'Kaitiaki o Ara' branding, incorporating te reo Māori, reinforces its mission as guardians of the road journey. Ex-students involved in SADD like Sterling Maxwell and Tayla Hill exemplify the long-term impact of the movement. Maxwell became SADD's first youth board trustee and formed a Māori advisory group, receiving a national road safety award for her efforts. Hill, another former group leader, has represented SADD at national forums, further advancing youth-led safety initiatives. SADD continues to call for every secondary school to participate, helping foster a generation of responsible, informed road users.
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Tough start for Ko at US PGA
Lydia Ko of New Zealand hits a tee shot on the sixth hole during the first round of the PGA Championship at Fields Ranch East at Frisco, Texas. It has been a tough start for Dame Lydia Ko at the third golf major of the year. She opened with a three-over 75 at the Women's PGA Championship, being played at Fields Ranch East in Texas. Ko started in fine style, sinking a long putt for birdie at the par-five first hole. But that was as good as it got, Ko not finding another birdie in her remaining 17 holes. Bogeys at the third, sixth and seventh saw her fall back, and while pars at her next nine holes saw her steady things somewhat, another bogey at the par-three 17th had her falling away again. Ko's round had her seven shots behind the clubhouse leader, Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul, who opened with a four-under 68, including six birdies and one double-bogey. Thitikul, currently at number two in the world rankings just ahead of Ko, led by one shot ahead of Australian Minjee Lee. World number one American Nelly Korda was also in touch after shooting an even-par 72.
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- NZ Herald
Students Against Dangerous Driving: 40-year journey improving driver safety
Students Against Dangerous Driving (Sadd) is celebrating 40 years helping young people drive safely. Olivia Reid looks at the organisation's long history in Whanganui. Whanganui Girls' College was the second school in the country to jump on board the Sadd programme, initiated in 1985 by an American exchange
