What happens when you take a street-legal Ford Mustang and load it with racing technology, some of which is illegal on most racetracks? You get the Mustang GTD, which Dearborn’s Ford Motor Co. unveiled last night at the Detroit Auto Show.
The illegal racing technology is the car’s active aerodynamic 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,” says Greg Goodall, chief program engineer for Mustang GTD. “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.”
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,” says Goodall. “The ability to do this isn’t allowed in racing, where the rules don’t allow actively managing airflow.”
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 says it 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,” says Goodall.
In other Mustang news, Ford announced that owners of the all-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang will be able to enjoy a range of new experiences in 2024, from on-track driving courses led by some of the world’s best high-performance driving instructors to new lifestyle events and an online portal to connect with Mustang owners from across the country.
“The Ford Mustang is all about two things: its community of passionate fans and racing. We’re combining those qualities and giving owners the opportunity to learn some of the same skills our racing drivers will take to Daytona and Le Mans next year,” says Matt Simpson, general manager for Enthusiast Vehicles. “And they’ll do so alongside their fellow enthusiasts.”
One event is the Mustang Dark Horse Track Attack at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Boasting a near 3:1 attendee-to-instructor ratio, Mustang Dark Horse owners will receive personal attention on the skid pad, autocross, and Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. All Mustang Dark Horse owners are eligible for the free program (not including transportation and lodging).
This two-night event starts with an owner reception at the CMS Champion’s Club overlooking the track and then expands into a full day of classroom and on-track instruction. This includes learning how to utilize the Dark Horse’s no-lift-shift system and taking to the skid pad and autocross. Owners will then put their newfound skills to the test in lead-follow lapping on the fearsome Charlotte Roval with three 20-minute sessions, followed by a hot lap with the instructors in the driver’s seat.
Other Mustang owner events include the Ford Performance Racing School at Charlotte Motor Speedway, which will give Mustang EcoBoost and Mustang GT owners similar track instruction to the Track Attack program for the first time. Mustang owners are not a monolith, and this new brand immersive driving program recognizes that with a choose-your-own-adventure format, where owners can select from drift instruction, track driving, line-lock burnout classes, and more.
A new digital portal creates an online point of entry to the Mustang fandom, allowing owners to learn, engage, and interact with fellow fans. A series of roving, cross-country events in 10 U.S. markets will include on major automotive, lifestyle and motorsports events. This will provide owners with an in-person opportunity to interact with other Mustang fans.
“Ford Mustang fans make this car what it is — a global icon for performance and excitement,” says Joe Bellino, brand manager for Mustang. “And now, we’re giving owners a chance to connect regardless of distance and share their passion.”
