Ford News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

New 2027 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible Is The Most Powerful Open-Air Mustang

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 14, 2026

Ford Unveils The New Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible

With the latest generation of the Ford Mustang came a new high-performance nameplate: Dark Horse. Whether it’s the GT3 race car, the GTD flagship, or the Dark Horse, Ford has recently transformed the Mustang from an iconic pony car into a world-class performance lineup. Earlier this year, Ford upped the ante even further, unveiling the Dark Horse SC, which, with a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 that boasts an impressive 795 horsepower, sits between the Dark Horse and the multi-six-figure GTD. Now, Ford has just unveiled yet another new Mustang, this time offering a convertible variant of the Dark Horse SC, combining the SC’s immense power and high-performance engineering with open-air thrill. It’s the first new high-performance Mustang convertible since 2013, and Ford’s announcement of the new car also boasts that it’s the most powerful open-air Mustang yet. Its 795 horsepower comes along with 660 lb/ft of torque, sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the new 2027 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible features a MagneRide suspension that is tuned for the street rather than the track. <- Gallery -> With the top down, the supercharged V8 sound experience is even further enhanced compared to the coupe, making spirited cruising a pleasure. Taking full advantage of top-down style, the Dark Horse SC Convertible features a new Precision Purple Metallic exterior color, a special brake caliper color, and an interior in Black Onyx and Space Grey. Setting a new benchmark for top-down performance within the Ford Mustang lineup, the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Convertible is a high-performance masterpiece with open-air thrill. Made for the 2027 model year, orders are opening this fall, with the first cars set to arrive at dealer showrooms in spring 2027. View All Ford Mustang For Sale Image Source: Ford

Ford Racing Announces One-Make Mustang Challenge Is Coming To Spa-Francorchamps

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 29, 2026

Mustang Challenge Comes To Spa

Ford Racing marked a major milestone when it introduced its one-make Mustang Challenge to a global stage with the Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational in 2025. Now, the global expansion of the Mustang Challenge series is continuing with the announcement that the series is coming to yet another iconic European racing venue, this time the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Known for its dramatic elevations and its challenging Eau Rouge, Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most storied, celebrated, and historic racing venues in the world. As the Mustang Challenge did at Le Mans, the Mustang Challenge Spa Invitational will support the 2027 24 Hours of Spa, writing another incredible chapter in the Mustang’s global racing pedigree. Last year’s Mustang Challenge Le Mans Invitational was a major success, with over 36 Ford Mustang Dark Horse R race cars competing at the legendary racing venue, and its return to Spa comes along with other global Mustang racing efforts like the introduction of Mustang Cup Australia, the first international Mustang one-make series alongside the Mustang Cup USA. <- Gallery -> Part of the Ford Racing Sports Car Pyramid, the Mustang Challenge and Mustang Cup series offer an entry point for drivers to start their career within the Ford Racing ecosystem. With the introduction of the latest generation of the Ford Mustang, Ford has evolved its iconic pony car into a global performance and racing star, with variants like the Dark Horse, the GTD, the GT3, and the Dark Horse R, serving as a precursor to the international motorsport presence that the Mustang is now a part of today. As Ford Racing continues to expand the presence of Mustang Challenge and its other one-make series, its arrival at Spa in 2027 is a turning point in the already cherished history of the Mustang nameplate. View All Ford Mustang For Sale Image Source: Ford

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 13, 2026

You Can Now Apply to Buy Ford’s 815-HP Mustang GTD 'Spirit of America'

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. Ford Mustang Inventory Source: Ford Performance

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 11, 2026

$550K 1-of-1 Shelby GT500 Carbon Edition For Sale

With more than 62 years of Americana wrapped into a single model line, the Ford Mustang continues to cement its status as a cultural icon, with a global community of passionate owners and enthusiasts and millions of examples on the road today. The Mustang became even more of a powerhouse when Carroll Shelby began adding his performance touch to every chassis that entered production at Shelby American Inc, a tradition that continues with the current eighth-generation Ford Mustang (S650). The team at Galpin Aston Martin in Los Angeles, CA, is proud to showcase this one-of-one 2022 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Super Snake as part of their extensive inventory of exotic cars for sale on duPont REGISTRY.While any Mustang bearing the notorious Super Snake badge proves to be special in its own way, this specific GT500 stands out as a true one-of-one Carbon Edition. The most noticeable characteristic is, without a doubt, an entirely exposed carbon fiber body, accented with a gold racing livery and matching pinstriping. The gold-tinted carbon extends from its aero package and massive fixed rear wing down to a set of six-spoke carbon wheels, with a factory red Brembo big brake kit mounted just behind. Inside is where the creativity of this build comes together. Following the lightweight look and feel of the Carbon Edition, the interior of this GT500 Super Snake features a fully exposed carbon fiber cabin with soft, subtle Alcantara touches. Each bucket seat is layered in black diamond-stitched Alcantara with white leather and matching carbon fiber, with Shelby logos and “Full Carbon 1 of 1” embroidered. The entire interior feels like it's race-ready, equipped with a series of dynamic driving modes and even a digital dash for the passenger.The Shelby GT500 Super Snake takes an already aggressive engine and pushes it even further, pairing a supercharged 5.2L V8 with well over 800 horsepower. The engine bay comes littered with matching carbon fiber trim, Shelby American and Super Snake decals, and Carroll Shelby’s iconic signature. Power is sent through a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering sharp, immediate gear changes. 0–60 mph happens in the low 3-second range, with a top speed pushing past 180 mph. It’s all about raw, straight-line force, backed by upgraded cooling, suspension tweaks, and the kind of engineering that keeps everything just barely under control. View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 27, 2026

Ford Displays the $325K Mustang GTD’s Suspension Like a Fine Piece of Jewelry

The Ford Mustang has become and will forever be recognized as one of the most iconic cars ever created, representing a monumental shift within the automotive industry and its push for performance. In its pursuit of engineering a supercar that would stand alongside other legends like the Ford GT, Ford Performance developed the Mustang GTD as the manufacturer's next track-ready, street-legal supercar. And while every inch of the Mustang GTD is all about high performance, the most notable feature on Ford's exclusive $325,000 supercar is its state-of-the-art rear suspension display. Jim Owens, the Mustang GTD marketing manager, proudly talks about the rear suspension's blue and gold accents that you can admire through a special suspension window. The innovative feature lets passengers see the suspension in action without needing to remove any panels. The suspension window, about 24 inches wide by 10 inches tall, is made of durable polycarbonate and showcases the Ford Performance Engineering team's hard work like a finely crafted luxury watch. Drawing inspiration directly from the track, this advanced inboard rear suspension is a first for the Mustang line. The 2025 Mustang GTD shows its motorsport roots with active aerodynamics, a carbon-fiber body, magnesium wheels, and a rear transaxle. The configuration, combined with a strong, weight-efficient tubular subframe, screams race car DNA. Multimatic's Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers can switch from soft to firm in just 15 milliseconds, constantly adapting to keep the tires glued to the road or track. Adaptive damping offers more flexibility than traditional dampers, balancing both comfort and handling. The dual-spring setup ensures a comfortable ride on the street, while the Track mode kicks in to double the spring rate and lower the car by 40 millimeters. The Mustang GTD has already made successful appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Spa, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of its global takeover. It's also secured two record-setting lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, cementing its status as the ultimate track-capable Mustang. View all Ford Mustangs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. All Ford Mustang Inventory Source: Ford

By Khris Bharath – April 17, 2026

Ford Reclaims Nürburgring Crown with 6:40 Mustang GTD Competition

The Ford vs GM saga at the ‘Ring continues, as the Blue Oval has once again reclaimed its position at the very top. The Mustang GTD Competition now delivers a 6:40.835 lap, the fastest ever recorded by an American production-based car, and the culmination of a multi-year escalation that has redefined what a Mustang represents on a global stage. For some context, the original Mustang GTD broke the seven-minute barrier with a 6:57.685 lap in December 2024, establishing the first sub-seven-minute run by an American car. Ford returned with a sharper setup and cut it to 6:52.072 in August 2025, a gain of over 5 seconds. Chevrolet responded with the Corvette ZR1X, setting a 6:49.275 in July last year, shifting the benchmark back in Corvette’s favor. Ford’s answer is this Competition variant. Piloted by Ford Performance and Multimatic factory driver Dirk Müller, the run places the GTD Competition sixth overall in the Nürburgring Pre-Production and Prototype leaderboard. The depth of the car’s capability became clear when Ford Racing engineer Steve Thompson, with fewer than 40 total laps of Nordschleife experience, delivered a 6:49.337 lap. That time alone would have beaten Ford’s previous benchmark and closely matched Corvette’s best effort. Ford achieved this through targeted changes. The supercharged 5.2-liter V8 now produces more than the standard car’s 815 horsepower. Aerodynamics evolved through revised rear wing geometry, additional front dive planes, and rear aero discs that increase downforce without compromising balance. New tires elevate grip, while magnesium wheels, carbon bucket seats, and lighter dampers reduce mass from the 4,404-pound baseline. With this run, Ford now holds the two fastest Nürburgring lap times ever recorded by an American brand, including the track-only Ford GT Mk IV’s 6:15.997 set earlier this month, reinforcing its position at the sharp end of performance engineering. To mark the achievement and coincide with the Mustang’s 62nd anniversary, the company has reopened applications for the Mustang GTD. The Competition variant will follow as a street-legal, strictly limited, serialized offering. View All Ford Mustangs Sale Images: Ford

The New 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Sits Between The Dark Horse & The GTD

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 15, 2026

New 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC Revealed

The latest generation of the Ford Mustang represents a bold new era for the historic sports car. The genre-defining pony car has been one of the most important nameplates in the American automotive industry for over 60 years, but recent years have seen the Mustang evolve significantly. That evolution includes a lineup that makes it a world-class performance car with racing variants, a performance flagship that competes with some of the world’s most exclusive exotic cars, and the Dark Horse, which showcases impressive power and engineering solutions like carbon fiber wheels for the first time in Ford’s own lineup. However, the 2026 model year sees Ford introducing an even more powerful version of the Mustang Dark Horse, the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC. Created by the newly rebranded Ford Racing, the new Dark Horse SC is made to be the most powerful and track-ready variant of the Dark Horse, and the team behind the flagship Ford Mustang GTD lent many of its racing-bred engineering solutions to the new Dark Horse SC. Unlike the Dark Horse’s naturally aspirated 5.0-liter engine, the Dark Horse SC uses a 5.2-liter V8, and this time, it’s supercharged, hence the SC suffix to its name. Carbon fiber wheels and carbon ceramic brakes from Brembo mean that the car sheds an impressive 150 pounds of weight compared to the standard Dark Horse. Revised aerodynamics include an aluminum hood with a vent that improves cooling and front-end dynamics, and especially with the SC’s available Track Pack, downforce is significantly improved, with solutions like a ducktail-shaped decklid that improves the rear wing’s efficiency by 10 percent without requiring a larger wing that could impact rear visibility. Filling the gap between the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and the ultra high-performance, racing-bred Ford Mustang GTD with a price tag of over $300,000, the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC is an exciting new addition to a stable of Mustangs that are redefining the historic nameplate’s place in the performance car world. View All Ford Mustang Dark Horse For Sale Image Source: Ford

A white, modified 2026 Mustang RTR Spec 5 with wide body kit, rear spoiler, black accents, and angular taillights—packs more power than Ford’s GTD—set against a light green background.

By Khris Bharath – September 27, 2025

More Power Than GTD: 2026 Mustang RTR Spec 5 Packs 870 HP

For well over a decade, RTR or Ready to Rock, founded by two-time drift champion Vaughn Gittin Jr., has built a reputation for turning Ford’s pony car into something sharper, more aggressive, and more track-capable. The current Ford Mustang doesn’t lack presence, but RTR’s latest package takes it into new territory, with a host of both visual and performance upgrades. Meet the 2026 Mustang RTR Spec 5 and priced at $159,999, only 50 units will be built per year, which means exclusivity is part of the pitch. RTR starts out with a brand-new S650-generation Mustang GT (donor car included in the package), complete with the Performance Package and Recaro seats. From there, the changes are pretty extensive, as they include a Whipple 3.0-liter Stage 2 supercharger with an intercooler, which boosts the Coyote 5.0-liter V8’s output from 480 horsepower to a staggering 870 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque. For some context, that’s more powerful than Ford’s own flagship record-setting 815-horsepower Mustang GTD. RTR insists this car “is built to OEM+ standards that meet or exceed Ford’s own benchmarks.” The exhaust deserves its own spotlight because RTR teamed with Borla to develop a cat-back system specifically tuned for the Spec 5. Now, power is only half the equation, because RTR also equips the S650 with what it calls a “Tactical Performance Suspension System,” which includes 30-way adjustable coilovers, model-specific springs, and sway bars designed to balance track precision with street comfort. The setup was validated through CFD and track testing with drivers like Billy Johnson. Throw in 20-inch forged RTR Aero 5 Evo wheels (available in Forged Charcoal, Podium Champagne, or Vapor Silver) wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires (305mm front, 315mm rear), and you’ve got a Mustang with far more grip than the base car. Even the underbody has been smoothed and reworked to create both suction and downforce. Brakes have also been upgraded with two-piece Brembo front rotors, which, considering the horsepower jump, should make a difference. The styling is equally aggressive. A design effort led by Lindsay Ross, RTR, calls this its first full widebody system, which uses carbon fiber and composite panels. The distinctive front and rear fenders don’t just add visual punch and that wide body stance, but are also functional as they integrate cooling vents. Details like the pronounced carbon front splitter and ducktail spoiler are a direct nod to RTR’s Formula Drift lineage. Paint choices range from nine standard and nine premium colors (+$7,500) to paint-to-sample options (+$15,000), and each car carries a graphics package inspired by drift racing. Inside, RTR touches include leather-trimmed Recaros in gray and black, a serialized plaque on the dash engraved with Gittin’s signature, and an RTR shift knob. You can also add a $1,199 racing harness if track days are part of your plan. The Mustang’s Drift Brake, co-developed with Vaughn and Ford, comes standard. At $160,000, you’re nearly in Porsche 911 Targa territory but just over half as much as a $300,000 Mustang GTD. But you’re also getting one of the most powerful Mustangs ever made, not to mention one that still carries a warranty. If you’re someone who wants a Mustang that feels truly special, but also seeks a muscle car that bridges the gap between the Blue Oval’s factory specials and a full-blown drift car, then the RTR Spec 5 makes a strong case for itself. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale " width="680"> Images: RTR Vehicles

Chris Harris and Max Verstappen stand outdoors beside a Ford Mustang GTD; one points ahead while the other holds a red box. Text labels identify them, with Ford and Red Bull logos visible in the background.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 30, 2025

Watch Max Verstappen & Chris Harris Track The All-New 815...

With two of the world's best drivers in one cockpit, you best believe the GTD was pushed to its absolute limits. Gearing up for its triumphant return to motorsport's biggest stages like Formula 1, Ford Performance continues to pile on the track projects that add to its legacy and history in racing. Ford's calendar is filling up quickly with deliveries and track sessions, from the release of its highly anticipated Mustang GTD to prepping for its spot on the F1 grid in 2026 with a Red Bull Racing partnership. And to touch on all the new things happening at Ford and Red Bull Racing, Automotive Journalist Chris Harris recently spent some time behind the wheel of past and future four-wheel icons alongside Formula 1 Champion Max Verstappen in Ford Performance's newest YouTube video. The end goal of testing the Ford Mustang GTD on track in the South of France begins with a spirited commute in a Ford RS200. Being the deep-thinking, passionate car nerd we've all grown to love through his in-depth reviews, pushing some of the most powerful cars to their limits, Chris Harris used his time with Max to get answers to some of the questions he's been dying to ask. Whether it be lessons from his early age, go-kart training at the track with his dad, or breaking down the steps of a V-style racing line, Max gave insight into the upbringing and ongoing training it takes to become and maintain his role as a winning Formula 1 driver. Another interesting topic of discussion that the two conversed on while in the hot cabin of a homologated Group B road car was Max's diverse racing career and how his style of driving differs between cars and their classes. He deems it undescribable and only truly achieved by feeling and knowing the limits, whether in his Red Bull Racing RB21 car or while GT3 racing under the alias "Franz Hermann." Arriving at the small French racetrack, the first thing that caught Max's eye was the vibrant blue finish on the GTD, calling the shade a "spicy color." Behind the wheel, Max Verstappen gets right to business. Instead of gradually learning the layout, he digs into each corner, figuring out where the grip is and isn't, all while pushing the car harder with every lap. The Ford Mustang GTD suits his style, handling rough surfaces with confidence and making the most of its brakes and sticky tires. It's the kind of driving that shows just how naturally talented he is and how capable the GTD is when properly used. Chris Harris, riding along, seemed genuinely impressed with the car and with Verstappen's ability to make it dance around the circuit like second nature. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale " width="680"> Source: Ford Performance YouTube

A blue Ford Mustang GTD parked indoors, viewed from the side, with bold text "MUSTANG GTD" displayed above the car—just like one Jay Leno might showcase in his legendary garage.

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 28, 2025

Watch Jay Leno's First-Drive In His New Ford Mustang GTD ...

After a year and half wait, Jay Leno finally received keys to his new Mustang GTD. For over 60 years, the Mustang has sat high in Ford's fleet as a flagship model and one of the most recognized and influential American muscle cars ever made. Evolving with dramatic design updates, improved tech, and even more performance, the Mustang became the benchmark for American sports cars, where motorsport met the road. The all-new Mustang GTD represents a whole new chapter for the already iconic model, announced in August 2023 and already securing a Nürburgring lap time of 6 minutes and 52.072 seconds. Almost 2 years after its debut to the world, Ford is beginning to roll out Mustang GTD deliveries to some of its first customers worldwide. One of those lucky 2025 Ford Mustang GTD owners is none other than the ultimate car collector himself, Jay Leno, who took delivery and shared the first drive on the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage. Before hopping behind the wheel and unleashing all 815 horsepower on the open road, Jay is joined by Ford CEO Jim Farley for an in-depth walkaround of his brand-new purchase. Jay's Mustang GTD is finished in a combination of dark blue paint and exposed carbon fiber and shares the same #12 production number as his other limited-production Ford Mustangs. Equipped from the factory with the Performance Package, the build features a road-car-only Drag Reduction System (DRS) that helps with straight-line speed while providing over 2,000lbs of downforce. Even more impressive than its 5.2L V8 'Predator' engine is an exposed rear suspension displayed through a dedicated window behind the driver and passenger. The team involved in the GTD and the production of Jay's personal car signed their names underneath the hood and throughout the engine cover. Amidst the camaraderie and stories shared about what influenced the creation of the Mustang GTD and Ford's motorsport history, Jay and Jim break for a first drive on the roads of sunny California. Expecting a more aggressive, track-oriented feel, Jay is actually pleasantly surprised by its initial comfort and ability to be considered a daily drivable racecar. If you want to see all the fuel-driven action for yourself, watch Jay Leno's first drive in his brand-new 2025 Ford Mustang GTD by clicking the YouTube link below. View All Ford Mustangs For Sale " width="680"> Source: Jay Leno's Garage

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