Long before Ford Performance adopted the name for its latest Mustang GTD special edition, “Spirit of America” belonged to land-speed legend Craig Breedlove, the California-born racer who turned the Bonneville Salt Flats into his personal proving ground during the 1960s. Across a series of jet-powered machines carrying the trademarked Spirit of America name, Breedlove became the first man in history to break both the 500-mph and 600-mph barriers.
It’s only fitting that the advanced and powerful Mustang ever created bears the name, already establishing dominance on the track with a record-breaking lap time at the Nürburgring, outpacing both the Ford GT MkIV and Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X with a time of 6:40.836.
The announcement of the Ford Mustang GTD Spirit of America couldn’t have come at a better time, arriving as the nation celebrates America’s 250th birthday with a new patriotic livery to match. Over its Performance White exterior, Race Red and Lightning Blue stripes reinterpret the classic Mustang tri-bar in a more modern, offset layout, while exposed carbon fiber remains front and center from the splitter to the massive rear wing. Forgeline wheels complete the look, adding another motorsport-inspired touch to the package.
Inside, Ford leaves the formula alone. The GTD’s driver-focused cockpit and track-ready setup stay untouched, including the standard Performance Package, while available 3D-printed titanium touches add just enough to remind you this isn’t your average Mustang.
Under the hood, the Ford Performance’s 5.2L supercharged V8, officially known as the Predator V8, delivers an impressive 815 horsepower to the rear wheels, bringing its overall top speed to 202mph. And while it's just a fraction of what Craig Breedlove was able to achieve with his first $500 jet engine, it's plenty of power for the weekend track warrior.
For those hoping to own a Mustang GTD Spirit of America, Ford has opened applications through May 18th for North American buyers.

Source: Ford Performance