No matter where you are in the space-time continuum, the only time you could claim to have never heard of the Ford Mustang moniker is if you've been living under a rock for the last six decades. Now in its seventh generation, everyone recognizes the Mustang as one of the most iconic muscle cars. One thing that made the Mustang even more popular was the logo. And there's an intriguing backstory to it.

During the production of the first-ever Mustang, Ford’s management team didn’t have the slightest idea of what would portray the American-ness of the Mustang, a car that would mark the very beginning of the muscle car segment. The Mustang needed an emblematically American logo and Phillip Clark's submission became the top pick because the horse-based design had been in the works for a while. In the original design, the horse’s head faced the viewer, which was later changed to display the horse’s profile, depicting it running on the track. And the Mustang Logo was born. A year later, the GT emblem came into the picture.

For as long as we’ve had them on American roads, if there’s anything we know about these bad boys, they’re fast, strong and so much fun to drive around. One thing that most folks don’t often know about is the meaning of the GT insignia itself. And really. What does the GT stand for? Is combining the letters "G" and "T" only for aesthetic purposes to separate some Mustang models from others? Or is there a real meaning behind the "GT" in "Mustang GT"?

We'll dive deeper into the GT badge's details, examining its history, real significance, and implications for the brand. Let’s get into it.

Related: A Detailed Look At The Yellow Ford Deuce Coupe From American Graffiti

Beginning Of The Ford Mustang GT

2013-ford-mustang-gt-logo
Via: Ford

As you might have suspected, the GT emblem does have a meaning. The term GT typically stands for Grand Touring, with its Italian roots that come from the term “Grand Tourismo”. But, of course, in this case, the Ford Mustang GT is a trim level.

The 1965 Ford Mustang was available with both the base package and the optional GT package, which contained a 289-cubic-inch V-8 engine at the time. For those who selected the GT option, that meant greater power beneath the hood. As a result, GTs became attached to power. Today, GTs are typically coup-style cars that take on a comfort and speed approach, in terms of design.

Besides the power specs, the GT emblem came with some aesthetic complements, such as a dual exhaust system with beautifully polished tips, as well as auxiliary fog lamps on the grille. Having Mustang's name with the letters "GT" at the end signifies that, in addition to being swift and strong, it was also designed to indulge its occupants in comfort.

RELATED: How The Mercedes-Benz Simplistic Three Pointed Star Logo Has Evolved Over A Century

The Improved GT Badging On The Next-Gen Mustang Is Epic

Last month, Ford teased the next-generation Mustang in a sweet video that titillated every GT fan’s senses. The short teaser film, uploaded on the brand’s Facebook page and other social media networks, also hinted at the next-generation Ford Mustang‘s new body color and a reworked GT performance badge.

The video also suggested that there will be considerable alterations to the high-performance car's back end and perhaps a new trim on the new Ford Mustang. Interestingly, this will be the Ford Mustang's last major redesign before all things go electric, according to Ford.

We caught a glimpse of the GT emblem in the middle of the tailgate as soon as the trunk lid closed. Since the Ford Mustang's first generation vehicle, we didn’t see the trademark color scheme of black on the panel. At least in certain of its trim levels, the seventh-generation Ford Mustang seems to take a new tack. This new GT emblem has the word “Performance” carved into the wording, showcasing what the next-gen Ford Mustang will bring. On September 14th, Ford revealed all of the Mustang's specifications, including the new, revised fascias, interiors, sporty engines, and driver-aid technology - everything deserving of the GT crest.

RELATED: Here’s How The Iconic Aston Martin’s Logo Has Evolved Over A Century

Final Thoughts: The True Meaning Of The Mustang GT Badge

2005-ford-mustang-gt-badge
Via: Ford

We’re not surprised that the Mustang GTs, whether the classics or the newer editions, have a large following. They are the ideal blend of pure power, style, and comfort. Even if you're not a Mustang fan, which is unlikely, it's tough not to like them.

Really, the GT emblem might stand for Grand Touring, but the true meaning of the Mustang GT badge is power, style, and comfort. We hope that future incarnations of the GT will not get better, but will carry on the same essence as the models that came before them. We also hope that the Mustang GT continues to hold its unique value in the market.