Ford Mustang GTD: wait 30 days before driving and PPF

Ford is advising new Mustang GTD owners to hold off on driving for the first 30 days after delivery. The pause isn’t about mechanical limits but about letting the paint fully cure before applying paint-protection film (PPF).

The company recommends installing the film only after the paint has finished outgassing to avoid damage in real-world use. The car features carbon-fiber body elements that are susceptible to stone chips, especially with its wide Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. The usual hot spots for extra protection are the wheel arches, rocker panels, rear fenders, and the diffuser. On a machine this focused, PPF feels less like an optional extra and more like common sense.

Some owners, of course, skip the wait and drive straight away. The temptation is clear, but the Mustang GTD ranks among the most extreme sports cars of 2026. It packs a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 with 815 hp, sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds, covers the quarter mile in 10.6 seconds, and tops out at 322 km/h. With that kind of pace, the tires can pepper the bodywork in no time, so caution at the start pays off later.

With prices starting at $325,000, most buyers are inclined to follow the factory’s advice to protect the finish and the car’s longevity. A month of patience is a small trade for keeping the paint and carbon parts pristine once the PPF is on.