Automotive
The Nürburgring Nordschleife doesn’t hand out bragging rights easily, but it’s just become the battleground for a new chapter in the age-old Ford vs. Chevrolet rivalry. After briefly wearing the crown, the Ford Mustang GTD has now been eclipsed by Chevy’s newly unveiled Corvette ZR1 and its even wilder sibling, the ZR1X. And while Ford might’ve lost the title of fastest American production car at the ‘Ring, CEO Jim Farley is signaling that the Blue Oval isn’t backing down.
In December, Ford shook the performance world by announcing a 6:57.685 lap for the Mustang GTD, a time that was later improved to an impressive 6:52.07. That made it the fastest production car from America to ever lap the infamous German track. But records are meant to be broken, and Chevy came out swinging with its twin ZR1 models. The exact lap time hasn’t been made public yet, but it was enough to unseat the GTD—and Ford took notice.
Shortly after the Corvette team celebrated their Nürburgring triumph on Instagram, Farley jumped into the comments with a response that’s already making waves: “Congrats to the Corvette team. Game on!” The message was short, direct, and unmistakably competitive. Ford’s top exec is a known enthusiast and even a racer himself, so it’s safe to say the fight isn’t over.
Still, reclaiming that title won’t be easy. The numbers paint a tough road ahead. The Mustang GTD comes in at over 4,300 pounds, according to EPA documents cited by Road & Track, while Car and Driver reports the ZR1 tips the scales at 3,831 pounds. That weight gap, in combination with the Chevy’s monstrous power advantage, makes the challenge clear. The base ZR1 is already packing 1,064 horsepower, and the track-focused ZR1X bumps that figure up to a staggering 1,250 horses. By comparison, the GTD makes a stout 815 hp from its supercharged 5.2-liter V8.
Of course, Ford’s pony car isn’t just about brute force. It’s an incredibly sophisticated machine, featuring a semi-active suspension setup, active aerodynamics including a Formula 1-inspired drag reduction system, and Michelin’s ultra-sticky Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. On paper, it has the tools to fight back—but even with tech like that, physics is a relentless adversary when you’re up against lighter, more powerful competition.
So what’s next? That’s the big question. Ford has yet to confirm whether it plans to return to the ‘Ring for another run, but it’s unlikely the GTD team is content watching from the sidelines. There may still be more time to extract from the car with further refinement or a different tire strategy, but it’s also possible that Ford is already eyeing a next-generation weapon to take on Chevy’s fastest. Whether it’s an evolved GTD or something entirely new, Farley’s tone makes one thing certain—this isn’t the end.
For now, the Corvette ZR1 and ZR1X are on top. But with Ford’s performance division never one to shy away from a challenge, the next Nürburgring showdown might already be in motion. Stay tuned. The muscle car rivalry just got a lot more interesting.
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Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
