Kathmandu – Ford has once again asserted its dominance at Germany’s renowned Nürburgring track. In 2026, Ford’s new Mustang GTD Competition completed a lap in 6 minutes and 40.835 seconds, reclaiming the title of fastest American production car. This lap time surpasses Ford’s previous record by 11 seconds and outpaces its main rival, Chevrolet’s Corvette ZR1X, by 8 seconds. Ford CEO Jim Farley had challenged the Corvette team by saying, “The game has now begun,” and this result confirms that challenge.
The new model is equipped with a powerful 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, delivering more power than the standard model’s 815 horsepower. To enhance performance, Ford incorporated magnesium wheels, carbon bucket seats, and lightweight dampers, significantly reducing the vehicle’s weight. The standard Mustang GTD weighs approximately 1,998 kilograms.
Advanced aerodynamic features, including a new rear wing, front dive planes, and carbon fiber aero discs, were added to improve road balance and grip. Experienced driver Dirk Müller successfully piloted the car. Ford plans to produce the exclusive ‘Competition’ edition in limited numbers, with a price expected to exceed $327,000, higher than the standard GTD.
In the category of track-only vehicles, Ford also holds a record with its ‘GT Mk IV,’ which completed a lap in 6 minutes and 15.977 seconds, establishing the third fastest and quickest internal combustion engine car globally. Currently, Ford holds the title for the fastest American car, while Germany’s Mercedes-AMG One remains at the top worldwide with a record time of 6 minutes and 29 seconds.
