The Ford Mustang GTD: Breaking Records and Redefining Race Tech
The automotive world is abuzz with excitement as Ford's $300,000 carbon-bodied Mustang GTD prepares to make its mark on some of the most challenging race tracks in the world. This extraordinary machine, which has already captured attention at prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Goodwood Festival of Speed, is setting its sights on a sub-seven-minute lap at the Nürburgring Nordschleife—a feat that would place it among the top ten fastest production cars ever to conquer the Green Hell.
But it's not just the GTD's speed that's turning heads; it's the cutting-edge technology from Multimatic, an established player in innovative automotive suspension systems.
The Heartbeat of GTD: Trick Multimatic Dampers
Ford must know that we can’t get enough of this road-legal track beast, because it’s further whetting our appetite for the unobtainium machine by giving us a closer look at its trick suspension, designed by Multimatic. Best known for their work on the Ford GT, Multimatic’s latest creation for the Mustang GTD features adaptive spool-valve dampers, which are visible through a dedicated polycarbonate window, providing a glimpse into the car's advanced engineering.
A Pushrod Setup for the Modern Era
The rear suspension setup is a marvel of modern engineering. The pushrod design places the shocks atop the tubular rear subframe, allowing for massive 345-mm rear tires and optimal suspension geometry. This innovative setup helps accommodate larger tires without compromising space, ensuring that the GTD's performance is nothing short of spectacular.
Multimatic's Racing Pedigree: A Legacy of Innovation
Since its inception in 1992, Multimatic has been at the forefront of automotive innovation, competing in races like Sebring, Le Mans, and Daytona. The company's technology isn't limited to just race cars; it also supplies suspension systems to manufacturers like Ford, Chevrolet, Aston Martin, Mercedes, and Lotus. Their spool-valve dampers, visible by their distinctive gold-and-blue housings, have made their way into vehicles such as the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, the Porsche 992 GT3 Cup car, the Bronco DR, and now the Mustang GTD.
To fully appreciate the dampers and their impact on the GTD's performance, check out this video:
The Magic of Adaptive Spool-Valve Dampers
Multimatic’s adaptive spool-valve dampers are as advanced as they come. Unlike traditional dampers, these use a spool-valve design to regulate internal fluid flow, offering unprecedented control and adjustability. According to Scott Keefer, Vice President of Engineering at Multimatic, “Adaptive damping allows more flexibility in absolute ride performance compared to a passive damper. It lets you decouple the ride versus handling compromise that you normally make in damper tuning. Our system is a double win in that adjustments feel very analog, very natural in terms of motion control.”
Unmatched Performance for Road and Track
These proprietary Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers can transition from their softest to their firmest setting in just 15 milliseconds—a speed six times faster than a human blink. This rapid adjustability is crucial for a car designed for both track and road use. In Track mode, the GTD’s dampers and springs work together to lower the car by up to 1.6 inches, doubling the spring rate and providing a seamless transition from road to track settings.
Ford has also offered a sneak peek at the Mustang GTD's optional magnesium wheels, which further enhance this vehicle's desirability. But let’s be honest, the real show-stopper here is the advanced suspension system. Watching the dampers in action is almost mesmerizing, and it promises to make the Mustang GTD a beast both on the streets and the track.
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