Ford CEO Announces Return: Mustang GTD Heads to Nurburgring Again
Ford Mustang GTD's Nürburgring Lap Record Surpassed by Chevrolet Corvette Models
The race track at Nürburgring, Germany, recently witnessed a significant shift in the pecking order of American sports cars. The Ford Mustang GTD, known for its impressive performance, has been dethroned from its record-holding position by the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the even more powerful Corvette ZR1X [1][2].
The Mustang GTD, a model from Ford, had previously set a lap time of 6 minutes 52.07 seconds at the Nürburgring, a feat it achieved on its second attempt [4]. However, the Corvette duo has managed to outperform the Mustang, with the ZR1X claiming the fastest American car title with a lap time significantly under 6:52.07 [1][2].
The Corvette ZR1X boasts a staggering 1,640 horsepower, far surpassing the Mustang GTD's 815 horsepower [1]. This power advantage likely contributes to the Corvette models' superior lap times. While the exact lap times for the ZR1 and ZR1X are not specified, they have been described as having "knocked the Mustang GTD off the throne" and "raised the bar," implying they completed laps faster than 6:52.07 [1].
Ford CEO Jim Farley acknowledged Chevrolet's victory with a sportsmanlike response and indicated plans for Ford to return to the Nürburgring to attempt reclaiming the record [1][4]. The Mustang GTD, a carbon fiber-bodied track weapon priced at approximately $330,000, will need to shave nearly 3 seconds to beat the Corvette ZR1's lap time of 6:50.763 [1].
The Corvette team announced their success on their Instagram post, reading, "Corvette fans-we got 'em" [1]. In response, Farley commented, "Well done, Chevy team! We'll be back."
It's worth noting that the Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X were driven by Chevy engineers, not professional race car drivers [1]. The Mustang GTD, on the other hand, weighs approximately 500 pounds more than its rivals [1].
In summary, the current lap time hierarchy at the Nürburgring among American sports cars is as follows:
- Corvette ZR1X (fastest)
- Corvette ZR1
- Ford Mustang GTD (former record holder) [1][2][4].
This exchange between Chevrolet and Ford took place on the Corvette Instagram account, with the Mustang GTD needing to improve its performance if it hopes to regain its title.
- The Ford Mustang GTD's record-holding position at the Nürburgring has been surpassed by both the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X, as the Chevrolet duo has demonstrated faster lap times in the transportation industry.
- The vast power difference between the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X (1,640 horsepower) and the Ford Mustang GTD (815 horsepower) is likely a key factor in the latter's inability to maintain its record in the automotive sector.
- While the Ford Mustang GTD is a superior car and holds a price tag of approximately $330,000, it faces stiff competition from the Chevrolet Corvette models in the sports and lifestyle sectors, particularly after the latter's record-breaking performances at the Nürburgring.
