Mustang GTD Has An Aerodynamic Advantage Most Race Cars Don’t To Go Faster On The Track

Every inch of the height adjustable body of Mustang GTD, from the roof to floor, is designed to actively balance the tradeoffs between aerodynamics for speed and downforce for traction

By: Ford | Photos Courtesy of: Ford

Latest News

When the first-ever Mustang GTD takes on the 73 curves of the Nürburgring, it will be targeting a sub-7-minute time thanks to active aerodynamic tech never before used on a street legal Ford car and illegal in GT3-class race cars.

Ford Mustang GTD Drag Reduction System
From its active aerodynamic shape changing rear wing to special flaps that open and close under its body, Ford Mustang® GTD’s Drag Reduction System has the most advanced aerodynamic features of any Ford vehicle to hit the road or track

The heart of Mustang GTD’s aerodynamic performance is its Drag Reduction System, which uses a hydraulic system that can change the angle of the rear wing and activate flaps under the front of the car to find exactly the right balance between airflow for speed and downforce for grip, depending on performance conditions.

“Every surface, body opening and vent on and under Mustang GTD’s body is functional,” said Greg Goodall, Mustang GTD chief program engineer. “Some air is directed for cooling, other for aerodynamics and downforce. All of it to help GTD go faster or stick to the pavement no matter what the conditions are.”

Ford Mustang GTD Drag Reduction System
Every inch of the height adjustable body of Mustang GTD, from the roof to floor, is designed to actively balance the tradeoffs between aerodynamics for speed and downforce for traction to take on the world’s best supercars

When Mustang GTD tackles sharp turns and grip becomes more important than speed, the DRS closes the main wing element and flap to create an integrated airfoil to generate additional downforce on the rear of the vehicle, to help the GTD go faster through turns without losing grip. At the same time, the front underbody is shaped like a keel that helps evacuate incoming air through the front wheel wells and large fender louvers to create an area of lower pressure that acts like suction to help keep the front end stable through turns.

“We actively manage where the center of air pressure is on the vehicle, so the front and rear can remain balanced,” said Goodall. “The ability to do this isn’t allowed in racing, where the rules don’t allow actively managing airflow.”

Ford Mustang GTD Drag Reduction System
Powerful computer simulations led to new ways to manage airflow under unlimited driving conditions, including specially designed channels under the car to help direct turbulent air from the front tires away from the car

In normal street driving conditions, the body allows clearance of everyday items, like speed bumps.  When maximum track performance is required, Mustang GTD’s suspension can lower the body 40 mm, further helping improve airflow over and around the body.

The Mustang GTD team continues to refine the supercar’s aerodynamics through thousands of hours of virtual airflow simulation in powerful computers and time testing on demanding road course tracks from Road Atlanta to Spa in Belgium.

“Our Le Mans drivers would love to have the technology Mustang GTD has for the track and street,” said Goodall.

Don't Miss Out on Our Latest News & Features

Subscribe to get our "Daily Drive" news alerts delivered to your inbox.

We will not share your email address.
spot_img

For Sale 

1991 Jordan-Ford 191 Formula 1 car driven by Michael Schumacher at his Formula 1 debut listed for sale by DK Engineering

Offered By: DK Engineering

Price: Inquire

1963 Ferrari 330 LM Berlinetta For Sale

Offered By: Copley Motorcars

Price: Inquire

1993 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Jubilee For Sale

Offered By: Trofeo Cars

Price: SOLD

You Might Also Like