Ford has unveiled the highly limited Mustang GTD with the so-called drag reduction system (DRS); an aerodynamic technology that is never used on street-legal Fords and is illegal in GT3 racing.
Ford Mustang GTD
DRS may sound familiar to motorsports fans as it is used in racing series such as Formula 1. It is an active aero component – operated by hydraulics – that opens and closes the rear wing, finding the right balance between airflow for speed and downforce for grip. Road-going cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS also use this technology.
“Every surface, body opening, and vent on and under Mustang GTD’s body is functional,” said Mustang GTD Chief Program Greg Goodall. 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 approaching corners, the aero system’s closed rear wing adds downforce which helps keep the Mustang GTD planted on the ground. This reduces the chances of understeer and oversteer. The front underbody also helps create an area of lower pressure to keep the pony car stable through turns.
DRS in close position
In contrast, it is ideal to open the rear wing on long straight runs for increasing speed faster. By activating the DRS, the drag generated by the rear wing will be reduced as airflow is improved.
At the Nurburgring Nordschleife – which consists of long straights and over 150 corners – the DRS would help the Blue Oval company achieve its target of a sub-seven minute lap in the Mustang GTD.
“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 alloy actively managing airflow.
DRS in open position
Ford will only produce around 1,000 to 2,000 examples of the Mustang GTD but it is hoped that some can find their way to the Philippines. Currently, though, Ford Philippines is still offering the outgoing sixth-gen iteration in the local market.
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