Mustang GTD Faces Magnesium Wheel Delay, Gets Standard Rims First

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f you’re one of the fortunate few who managed to place an order for the ultra-exclusive 2025 Ford Mustang GTD—a track-focused beast priced at a jaw-dropping $325,000 to $350,000—there’s some important news about your car’s wheels.

Ford has confirmed that customers who opted for the premium magnesium wheels on their Mustang GTD may face delays in receiving them. Instead, these early adopters will temporarily receive the standard aluminum wheels when their vehicles are delivered. Let’s break down exactly what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what customers can expect next.

What’s Going On With the Mustang GTD’s Wheels?

The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD is the most powerful and expensive Mustang ever made, and it comes with a variety of high-performance options, including a set of magnesium wheels. These lightweight wheels are included in the GTD’s optional Performance Pack, and they also come standard on the limited-run Spirit of America edition.

Magnesium wheels are highly sought-after due to their performance benefits. They are even lighter than carbon fiber, which reduces the car’s unsprung mass (the weight that isn’t supported by the suspension). This translates into sharper handling, quicker acceleration, and overall better performance on the track and the street.

But here’s the issue: those exotic wheels aren’t going to be ready in time for the initial batch of GTDs heading to customers.

Why Are the Magnesium Wheels Delayed?

According to a report from Ford Authority, the delay appears to be tied to global supply chain issues involving magnesium. The lightweight metal, which is crucial for creating ultra-light wheels, is primarily sourced from countries such as China and Russia. China alone accounts for an estimated 87% of the world’s magnesium supply.

Back in 2021, a major power crisis in China caused a significant disruption in magnesium production. Even though some time has passed, the ripple effects of that shortage are still being felt across industries, including automotive manufacturing. There are also potential complications surrounding U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, which could be making the sourcing and delivery of magnesium even more challenging for Ford.

While Ford has not officially confirmed the specific cause of the delay, the company did release a brief statement saying:

“We plan to offer magnesium wheels as an option on the Mustang GTD. We’ll have more to share at a later date.”

So while there’s no formal confirmation from Ford about the exact reason for the holdup, supply and trade complications seem like a likely factor.

What Happens If You Order the Magnesium Wheels?

Here’s where things get a bit more reassuring. Ford is not delaying deliveries of the Mustang GTD due to the missing wheels. Instead, customers who ordered magnesium wheels will receive their GTD with standard forged aluminum wheels for now. Later on, once the magnesium wheels become available, Ford is expected to contact those owners so they can have their proper wheels installed.

Why Magnesium Wheels Matter on the GTD

If you’re wondering why magnesium wheels are such a big deal, here’s a quick explanation:

Weight Reduction: Magnesium is one of the lightest structural metals available, even lighter than aluminum. Lighter wheels mean better performance, especially when it comes to handling and acceleration.
Improved Driving Dynamics: Less rotational mass (the weight that has to spin when the car moves) equals faster response times from the chassis and suspension.
Track-Ready Precision: For serious drivers and track-day enthusiasts, magnesium wheels provide a noticeable edge in agility and responsiveness.

So, for a car like the Mustang GTD—designed to rival European supercars like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS—having the lightest, strongest parts possible matters. These wheels aren’t just about looks or bragging rights; they genuinely contribute to performance.

What Should GTD Customers Expect Next?

If you’re one of the buyers affected by this issue, you can expect the following:

Your GTD will arrive as scheduled, but with aluminum wheels instead of the magnesium ones.
Ford will not refund the cost of the magnesium wheels, since you will still receive them at a later date.
You’ll be notified when your magnesium wheels are available and can be swapped in.
No timeline has been officially announced, but Ford says they will share more updates as they become available.

In the meantime, owners can still enjoy the raw performance of the Mustang GTD, which includes a supercharged 5.2L V8 engine expected to deliver over 800 horsepower, a rear transaxle layout, and track-ready suspension and aerodynamics.

Final Thoughts

Understandably, some Mustang GTD buyers might be disappointed to learn their $350,000 performance car won’t come with the exact wheels they ordered—at least not right away. But Ford is working to minimize delays and get these cars into customers’ hands without making them wait indefinitely.

Given the global challenges involved in sourcing magnesium, it’s likely this issue was out of Ford’s control. And while communication could have been a bit clearer from the start, the company appears committed to making it right in the long term.

We’ll continue following this story closely and will provide updates as Ford releases more information. For now, Mustang GTD buyers can rest assured: your magnesium wheels are coming—they’re just fashionably late.

FAQs

Why are Mustang GTD magnesium wheels delayed?

The Mustang GTD magnesium wheels are delayed because the magnesium metal is in short supply globally. China supplies about 87% of the world’s magnesium and had a power shortage in 2021, which affected production. That means buyers who order them now may have to wait before they are installed

Will Mustang GTD ship with aluminum wheels instead?

Yes. Ford plans to deliver those GTDs on time using standard aluminum wheels for now. Once magnesium wheels arrive, they’ll be swapped in later. This way, owners don’t have to wait for their full car order .

Do I pay less if I don’t get magnesium wheels at delivery?

No, Ford is not offering a refund or credit if you receive the aluminum wheels first. You’ll pay the full price now, and get the magnesium wheels later without extra cost—but you won’t get any discount upfront.

How much lighter are magnesium wheels than aluminum?

Magnesium wheels are roughly 33% lighter than aluminum ones. This weight reduction improves handling, acceleration, and braking by reducing rotational and unsprung mass.

When will Mustang GTD magnesium wheels be available?

Ford hasn’t given an exact date yet. Sources expect the supply issue to be sorted out before the end of the year, but no official timeline has been shared.

Can I keep aluminum wheels after getting magnesium ones?

Ford says customers will be able to swap in the magnesium wheels once available. It isn’t clear yet whether you can keep the aluminum set indefinitely, but the plan doesn’t involve returning them for credit.