An American muscle car just smashed a global record, and it’s not just fast—it’s historic. Ford’s 2025 Mustang GTD has become the first American car to conquer Germany’s Nürburgring in under seven minutes, clocking an official time of 6:57.685.
This 815-horsepower machine now sits among an elite group of six production cars to ever break this barrier.
How did a Mustang—long synonymous with raw muscle—outpace European supercar royalty? With cutting-edge engineering, bold ambition, and a lap that will be talked about for years.
Breaking Records at the Green Hell
Professional racing driver Dirk Müller, representing Multimatic Motorsports, piloted the Mustang GTD around the challenging circuit known as “The Green Hell.” The achievement is particularly impressive considering the less-than-ideal weather conditions during the attempt.
Despite patches of dampness visible on iconic sections like the Karussell, the Mustang GTD managed to secure its place in history. The car’s advanced aerodynamic package, including an active rear wing and sophisticated underbody design, proved crucial in maintaining stability through the circuit’s demanding corners.
A Testament to American Engineering
The Mustang GTD’s performance positions it as the second-quickest front-engined production car ever to lap the Nordschleife, with only the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series posting better numbers. This achievement becomes even more remarkable when considering that Ford has promised there’s more potential to unlock.
The GTD’s supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine, paired with a sophisticated carbon fiber body structure, demonstrates Ford’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance engineering.
The Evolution of the Mustang
This record-breaking feat didn’t happen overnight. Ford’s journey to this milestone is evident in their recent Mustang lineup. The Dark Horse variant, with its 500-horsepower V8 engine, has already proven itself as a capable track weapon.
While the Dark Horse weighs in at just under 4,000 pounds, it demonstrates the platform’s potential with its impressive braking capabilities and track-focused suspension tuning. The GTD takes these fundamentals to new heights with carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive suspension, and a race-inspired chassis design.
Looking to the Future
Ford CEO Jim Farley has made it clear that this is just the beginning. The company plans to return to the Nürburgring, confident that faster times are possible under optimal conditions.
This determination showcases Ford’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with American performance cars. The GTD’s achievement sets a new benchmark for future Mustang variants and demonstrates Ford’s ability to compete with exotic European manufacturers.
The Competition Heats Up
The automotive world is watching closely as this achievement sets new benchmarks for American manufacturers. With anticipated lap times still to come from the latest Corvette Z06 and ZR1, and Porsche continuing to evolve their GT3 lineup, the competition in this ultra-high-performance segment is intensifying.
The Mustang GTD’s success has effectively thrown down the gauntlet, challenging both domestic and international manufacturers to respond.
Technical Innovation Meets Heritage
What makes the GTD’s achievement particularly noteworthy is how it combines cutting-edge technology with the Mustang’s traditional performance heritage. The car features sophisticated aerodynamic elements, including active front splitters and an innovative diffuser system, while maintaining the iconic Mustang silhouette.
This balance between innovation and tradition demonstrates Ford’s ability to evolve while respecting the nameplate’s rich history.
By breaking the seven-minute barrier, Ford has not only earned bragging rights but has also thrown down the gauntlet to both domestic and international competitors. This achievement proves that when it comes to world-class performance, American muscle cars can no longer be underestimated.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
