With the exception of aluminum door skins, carbon-fiber forms the rest of the bodywork. The GTD model class has been a regular part of the Volkswagen Golf lineup, with the only notable absence being the fourth and fifth-generation Golfs which featured the “GT TDI” initials instead. Volkswagen’s first GTD inherited many of the sporty markings seen in the GTI. For many non-motoring enthusiasts at the time, it would have been difficult to tell the difference between a GTI and GTD so successful was the formula. The lesser-known GTD has been with Volkswagen for almost as long as the fabled GTI, translated to mean “Gran Turismo Diesel”.
The individual VW red and grey checked tartan fabric, red piping, and golf ball gear lever have all become instantly identifiable within Volkswagen GTI range. The tinted glass of the prototype vehicle limited our view of the interior. Nevertheless, we caught sight of the latest Mustang’s large gauge cluster and infotainment screens, as well as a pair of racing-style Recaro front seats. Befitting its big wing, the GTD’s options menu includes a 3-D–printed rotary shifter and shift paddles made from the titanium parts of a Lockheed Martin F-22.
Golf G60
That said, Ford didn’t mention what audio system or infotainment screen is heading to the cabin. Though we’re sure you probably won’t care gtd system when you’re ripping this around a track. That power travels through a carbon-fiber driveshaft that feeds an eight-speed transaxle.
The Mustang GTD sports carbon-fiber fenders, hood, trunk cover, roof, front splitter, and rear diffuser. The hood and fenders are also vented to help keep hot air out of the engine bay. The GTE is a sporting brand that will become increasingly more popular in the future for Volkswagen. While it is easy to think that electric cars are relatively new, Volkswagen has been working on electric automotive technology since the 1970s.
Ford Performance + Multimatic = Mustang GTD
However, it may surprise you to know that the VW Scirocco GTI was the first VW to wear that prestigious badge. While the mighty Golf GTI will always be known for starting the hot hatch class. The aero kit heading to the Mustang GTD looks like what you’d want if you were heading to the racetrack. The rear wing is hydraulically controlled to give you downforce when you want it. Pressure-reducing vents in the front fenders and hood look like pieces pulled from a dedicated Le Mans racer.
This helps better place the suspension’s weight, while also looking incredibly cool. A dry-sump oil system should allow the engine to keep all eight cylinders sufficiently lubricated on the track. Even with this addition, the engine maintains the same mounting position as the GT500. An available titanium exhaust made by Akrapovic blows hot air out of two large pipes that protrude from the rear fascia. From there, the rear of the Mustang shell undergoes surgery to fit the GTD’s transaxle, which contains a Tremec eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle. Ford tells us there’s still some trunk space under the transaxle-cooler’s ducting and radiator, but we didn’t get to see it.
A Member Of The STANDS4 Network
Ultimately, Ford could have invested all of this time and effort into a potent powertrain, a trick suspension, and a wild aero package, and it could be handicapped by tires. Fortunately, the team at Ford wasn’t going to let rubber get in the way of maximum performance. This should also help your team of skilled engineers quickly make adjustments when you’re in the paddock. It also means you’re not going to have too much space for your groceries, as the rear suspension fills the trunk space. The automaker is keeping the GTD’s final weight under wraps for the time being.
The GTD contains many of the sporting accessories found on the equivalent GTI model, with the exception, of grey checkered fabric interior, replacing the GTI red tartan. As a maker of dependable family cars, Volkswagen hadn’t included the sporty GTI within their hatchback range. Maybe in part due to the previously tricky reception received for the Beetle “GSR”, “Yellow-Black Racer” in 1973. Massive carbon ceramic rotors are clamped by similarly impressive calipers.
