The Ford Mustang GTD stands as the most powerful factory Mustang ever produced—excluding the Cobra Jet drag cars, which are in a league of their own. Under the hood, the Blue Oval’s track-focused ‘Stang packs a 5.2-liter V8 rated at 815 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque at the crank. But how much of that raw power actually reaches the pavement?
A recent dynamometer test by Late Model Restoration (LMR)—a Texas-based shop renowned for Mustang expertise—has provided real-world answers. The team strapped a white-and-carbon GTD with just over 1,100 miles to the dyno, first conducting a brief shakedown before proceeding with testing.
Dyno Results: 753 Wheel Horsepower, 609 lb-ft Torque
LMR’s first dyno run delivered strong figures: 740 wheel horsepower (whp) at 7,100 rpm and 605 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. The crew kept the GTD in fifth gear throughout the test to maintain consistency. On the second pass, performance improved slightly, with the car producing 753 whp at 7,400 rpm and 609 lb-ft at 4,500 rpm.
The results translate to an estimated 8% drivetrain loss, which is notably efficient for a high-performance vehicle. Typical drivetrain losses hover around 15%, meaning the GTD retains a higher percentage of its crankshaft power. The power is transmitted from the engine to the eight-speed transaxle and ultimately to the ground via Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires (size 345/30R20).
Comparing GTD Dyno Tests: Consistency Across Results
While multiple Mustang GTD dyno videos exist on YouTube, LMR’s findings align closely with other tests. Most consistently show the GTD making around 740 whp at the low end, with LMR’s 753 whp representing the highest figure reported to date.
"You just never know if the manufacturer is rating it accurately, because sometimes, they like to undersell it—big time."
This skepticism around manufacturer power claims underscores the value of independent dyno testing. Real-world data helps validate—or challenge—official specifications, ensuring enthusiasts and buyers have accurate performance benchmarks.
For those interested in the technical details, the full dyno test is available on Late Model Restoration’s YouTube channel.