The all-new Ford Mustang GTD features a race-ready suspension system

MANILA: The all-new Ford Mustang GTD has unveiled its race-ready suspension system.

According to the American automaker, the high-performance vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) shock absorbers on the rear axle, which are visible from the outside of the car.

“The rear suspension is designed for purpose, but it also looks beautiful,” said Jim Owens, marketing manager for the Mustang GTD.

“It would have been a shame if we had hidden it so it would never be seen. The suspension window allows owners to admire the blue and gold accents on the shock absorbers without having to remove the technical panel, and the passenger can literally watch the suspension in action,” he added.

The new Mustang GTD’s semi-active suspension consists of two shock absorbers and springs that sit low between the rear wheels rather than in a line above them. The ASV dampers continuously adjust depending on the driving mode, road surface and driver inputs to maximize the contact of the Michelin tires with the road.

“Adaptive damping allows for more flexibility in absolute driving performance compared to a passive damper,” explained Scott Keefer, vice president of Multimatic Engineering.

“This allows you to separate the ride and handling trade-offs that you would normally make with damper tuning. Our system is a double win because the adjustments feel very analogue and very natural in terms of motion control,” he added.

Each damper has two springs that work together to provide a comfortable ride on the road. On the racetrack – the Dearborn-based automaker pointed out – drivers can enjoy double the spring rate and lower ride height by selecting the available Track mode, which hydraulically compresses one of the springs.

The higher spring rate improves mechanical grip, but like a race car, harder springs also improve aerodynamic grip. Because the Ford Mustang GTD’s active aerodynamics push on the car at high speeds, Track Mode’s harder spring rates counteract aerodynamic jackknife and help keep the tire contact patch as wide as possible during acceleration, braking, and cornering.

The blue oval brand will campaign the all-new Mustang GTD at the 24 Hours of Le Mans next month, where it will hopefully demonstrate the performance of its suspension system, before moving on to the 24 Hours of Spa and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Photos by Ford

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