Ford Mustang GTD Magnesium Wheels: What You Need To Know

As most are well aware by now, the Ford Mustang GTD is the most track-capable version of the pony car to ever exist across its 60-plus years on this planet, which makes it notable for that reason alone. After all, the GTD is one of very few vehicles in general to lap the iconic Nurburgring in Germany in less than seven minutes, and it’s chock full of exotic bits and pieces that help reduce weight, increase downforce, and optimize performance in every conceivable way. Those special features include the optional Mustang GTD magnesium wheels, too.

Available as an option, the new Mustang GTD magnesium wheels are designed to provide “an excellent strength-to-weight ratio that’s ideal for the demands of racing,” according to The Blue Oval itself, which is precisely what the type of material is known for. The 20-inch wheels replace the standard set that comes on the GTD from the factory, helping to further shed weight and working in conjunction with that model’s carbon fiber bodywork to reduce its overall mass – as well as rotational mass.

The Mustang GTD magnesium wheels are part of the optional Performance Package, which removes some sound deadening from the car to further shed weight, and it also adds a unique front fascia with carbon fiber dive planes and a large splitter, lightweight half shafts, lightweight carpeting, underbody aero flaps, and a Formula 1-style DRS active aero rear wing paired with a carbon fiber rear diffuser.

Historically speaking, magnesium wheels are typically reserved for high-end exotics, supercars, and hypercars, given the fact that they’re relatively expensive to produce. For those applications, the cost can certainly be worth it, however, as magnesium is roughly 33 percent lighter than aluminum, which can have a tremendous impact on not only the overall weight of a vehicle equipped with wheels made from that former material, but also, unsprung weight. That means not only quicker acceleration, but also, improved turn-in and shorter braking distances, to boot.