The new Mustang GTD’s advanced Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) rear shock absorbers by Multimatic are like jewels in a display case as they are projected behind a window in the cabin so that they are immediately visible to those outside the car as well
High performance is at the heart of the all-new Mustang GTD’s mission, with its premium build quality and designer craftsmanship on display, thanks to a cabin window that transforms into a showcase for the flagship coupe’s state-of-the-art, racing-style suspension Ford model.
“The rear suspension is purposefully designed. It’s also something you want to see,” said Jim Owens, marketing manager, Mustang GTD. “It would be a shame on our part to hide her and never see her. With this window, Mustang GTD owners are able to admire the blue and gold accents of the shock absorbers without having to remove the panel, while the passenger can literally watch the suspension in action.”
Measuring nearly 60cm wide and 25cm high, this window, which is made of polycarbonate sheet with a scratch-resistant coating on both sides, puts the hard work of the engineers on display, reminiscent of an excellent precision watch manufacturing.
“With a car as capable as the new Mustang GTD, we had to do something that was cool and that’s something owners will appreciate,” said Owens.
Race-proven technology
From the active aerodynamics and carbon fiber bodywork to the magnesium wheels, the new Mustang GTD is a first-class showcase for the race-proven technologies that will later be adopted into road-going vehicles. Benchmarking these technologies is the semi-active suspension, which supports the most track-capable production version of the Ford Mustang ever built.
“We’ve never built a suspension like this for a Mustang before,” said Greg Goodall, Chief Program Engineer, Mustang GTD. “To achieve the ambitious goals we set for the Mustang GTD’s track performance, we looked to motorsport for inspiration to create something truly advanced. This innovative suspension and advanced shock absorbers are the key to turning a Mustang into a Mustang GTD.”
The Mustang GTD’s rear suspension, in which the shocks and springs are placed low and between the rear wheels rather than in-line and above them, is another example of Ford’s ability to bring its racing expertise to production models. Combined with a strong, stiff and lightweight racing-style tubular subframe, the thoroughbred DNA in the rear of the Mustang GTD is anything but noticeable. The Adaptive Spool Valve shock absorbers, which are signed by Multimatic, are not subject to the limitations that normally fall into corresponding racing solutions.
Able to go from their softest to their stiffest setting in just 15 milliseconds (six times faster than the blink of the human eye), the ASV dampers continuously adjust based on the driving program, the road surface and the driver’s commands in order to to maximize the contact surface of Michelin tires with the road in all conditions.
“Adaptive damping offers more flexibility for ultimate sport driving compared to passive dampers,” said Scott Keefer, vice president, Multimatic engineering, “The dampers free you from choosing a standard set-up that compromises comfort with sporty handling. The system manages to do both as the settings feel very proportional and natural in terms of motion control.”
Each shock absorber has two springs that work together when the car is moving on the road to ensure optimal levels of comfort. By activating the Track program, one of the two springs is hydraulically compressed, almost doubling the overall stiffness of the system, while the car’s height is lowered by around 40mm to maximize its track capabilities.
In this case the mechanical grip is increased while, just like in a racing car, the stiffer spring setting simultaneously improves the grip that comes from the increase in aerodynamic efficiency. As the new Mustang GTD’s active aerodynamics push the car at high speeds, the stiffer springs in the Track program help the tires maintain as much contact with the road as possible during acceleration and braking, as well as when cornering.
The new Mustang GTD will make its appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and then at the 24 Hours of Spa and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It will also undergo extensive testing in Europe ahead of its official performance time trial to be able to complete a lap of the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in under seven minutes later this year.
Source: Skai
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