During the debut of Ford’s Mustang GTD in Carmel, California, CEO Jim Farley expressed the brand’s ambition to challenge and outdo Porsche’s racing Porsches with their own version of a high-performance coupe.
- Powerful Performance: The Mustang GTD is a street-legal, limited-edition coupe equipped with a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, boasting an impressive output of around 600kW.
- Le Mans Influence: Designed with inspiration from the Ford Mustang GT3 set to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the GTD aims to capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts who typically lean towards European brands for their high-performance desires.
- Elevating Ford: Farley’s goal for the Mustang GTD is to make Porsche, Aston Martin, and Mercedes “sweat,” by showcasing Ford’s capabilities in crafting a world-class performance car.
- Underdog Mentality: Farley embraces Ford’s “underdog” status, believing it drives the company to work harder and prove itself in the competitive automotive landscape, especially against established European brands.
- Balancing Electric Future: Discussing Ford’s move towards electric vehicles (EVs), Farley acknowledges the challenges of blending traditional strengths, such as Mustang’s performance legacy, with the need for EV innovation and the emotional connection that cars provide.
- Partial Electrification: While fully electric Mustang coupes may not be the immediate future, Farley hints at the possibility of partially electrified versions that maintain an emotional driving experience while contributing positively to the environment.