Zac Quinn 
Not long ago, Ford unveiled the Mustang GTD, a version of the GT3 racecar designed for the streets. The car obviously looks aggressive with its assortment of aerodynamic add-ons, which aren’t just for show as Ford has recently released more information regarding the engineering behind the vehicle, specifically what helps turn this muscle car into a totally different breed, ready to compete with cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, or the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.
Ford Mustang GTD Drag Reduction System: Details
The heart of the 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. When the Ford 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 a suction to help keep the front end stable through turns, allowing the car to carry more speed.
Since the Mustang GTD is a street-legal car, it must be designed to handle those conditions. For example, in normal street driving conditions, the body allows clearance of everyday things, like speed bumps. When maximum track performance is required, Mustang GTD’s suspension can lower the body by 40 mm, further helping improve airflow over and around the body. But, work isn’t done yet as 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.
As for the Nürburgring, the Blue Oval intends to take this race car to the legendary track. Something the modern Ford GT Mk IV may never have the chance to do. Considering the aerodynamic use of a transaxle to distribute weight from the front and rear with the engine placed up front and transmission in the back, this pony car is poised to impress. It’s unclear when the Ford Mustang GTD supercar will take on the 73 curves of the ‘Ring, but it will target a sub-7-minute time thanks to the aerodynamic tech never before used on a street-legal Ford car. Not to mention, the aerodynamic systems are illegal in GT3-class race cars, so all of this helps make the GTD stand out as something truly special.
