All-new Ford Mustang GTD showcases race-ready suspension system

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

Per the American carmaker, the performance car sports advanced Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) rear shock absorbers that are visible from outside the car.

“The rear suspension is designed for purpose, but it’s also just a beautiful thing to look at,” Mustang GTD Marketing Manager Jim Owens said.

“It would have been a shame for us to hide it away never to be seen. With the suspension window, owners can admire the blue and gold accents on the dampers without removing the tech panel, and the passenger can literally watch the suspension in action,” he added.

The semi-active suspension that underpins the all-new Mustang GTD consists of two shocks and springs that sit low and between the rear wheels rather than in line and above them. The ASV dampers continuously adapt based on the drive mode, road surface, and driver inputs to maximize the Michelin tires’ contact with the road.

“Adaptive damping allows more flexibility in absolute ride performance compared to a passive damper,” Multimatic Engineering Vice President Scott Keefer explained.

“It lets you decouple the ride versus handling compromise that you would normally make in damper tuning. Our system is a double win in that adjustments feel very analog, very natural in terms of motion control,” he added.

Each damper has two springs that work together to allow a comfortable ride while on the streets. On the track — the Dearborn-headquartered carmaker pointed out — drivers can enjoy double the spring rate and a lower ground clearance by selecting the available Track mode, which hydraulically compresses one of the springs.

The stiffer spring rate aids mechanical grip, but just like on a race car, firmer springs improve aerodynamic grip, too. As the Ford Mustang GTD’s active aerodynamics press down on the car at high speeds, the firmer spring rates of Track mode counter aerodynamic squat and help keep the tires’ contact patch as broad as possible while accelerating, braking, and cornering.

The Blue Oval brand will field the all-new Mustang GTD at the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans next moth where it hopefully can demonstrate the capabilities of its suspension system. After which, it will head to the 24 Hours of Spa, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Photos from Ford

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