Though the all-new, S650 generation Ford Mustang just debuted for the 2024 model year, we’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of additional variants – which may include the new Shelby GT500, or perhaps a range-topping model that doesn’t wear that iconic nameplate. One variant we do know exists for certain is the Ford Mustang GTD, a hyper-fast, hyper-expensive pony car that’s slated to be built in limited quantities and sport a price tag of more than $300k. That will immediately place the Ford Mustang GTD outside of the reach of most consumers, but sources familiar with the matter have now exclusively told Ford Authority that the automaker is considering a “lite” version of that forthcoming supercar, too.
A less expensive version of the Ford Mustang GTD is reportedly under consideration at the moment, one that would possibly sport a price tag of less than $100k, according to sources. This means that the “lite” version of the GTD wouldn’t come equipped with much of that model’s exotic components and would instead utilize more traditional body panels, though it would also reportedly retain the regular GTD powertrain – a supercharged 5.2L V8 that is slated to produce more than 800 horsepower in that model. We also know that unlike the GTD, the lite version would be built by Ford – not Multimatic. Currently, the Mustang is produced at the Flat Rock Assembly plant in Michigan, as is the case with the GTD, but that model is then shipped to Multimatic in Markham, Canada, for final assembly.
If Ford does in fact decide to ditch the Shelby branding for its forthcoming range-topping pony car, it’s possible that this new, toned-down version of the GTD may wind up taking the GT500’s spot atop the regular lineup, too. However, as Ford Authority exclusively reported last week, no decision on that particular topic has been made as of yet.
In the meantime, applications for the Ford Mustang GTD just opened up a few weeks ago, though as of now, The Blue Oval is set to build just 2,000 units of its ultimate pony car. However, amid high demand, Ford may ultimately choose to expand that production run – as was previously the case with the Ford GT – as Ford Authority exclusively reported last October.
We’ll have more on this possible Ford Mustang GTD “Lite” variant soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Mustang news and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
Yes please!
A GTD with less carbon fiber and built at Flat Rock would make sense for the S650 GT500. Here’s to hoping this will be the case.
That’s what it sounds like, the GTD-Lite will be the S650 gen GT500.
As I’ve suggested in prior comments, I think Ford is preparing to retire the Shelby moniker for one of its own making. And why not? It’s been building the latest generation Shelby labeled models in house anyway. Why not have the sub-branding tied closer to the head brand?
Ironically, Roush has been instrumental in developing the S550 Shelby GT500. Shelby just licenses its name.
Oh my goodness, I wished I had waited for the GTD before I had bought the Dark Horse!