The $325K Ford Mustang GTD’s Suspension System is Revolutionary
The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD sets high expectations, promising to outperform top European sports cars, achieve a sub-seven-minute Nürburgring lap, and surpass the performance of its predecessors. These are ambitious claims, but the available information suggests they are within reach, supported by innovative engineering and design.
Revolutionary Rear Suspension
The Mustang GTD’s rear suspension design represents a significant departure from traditional road-going Mustangs, potentially contributing to its future success. Ford has provided an inside look at this unique engineering marvel.
The suspension system features semi-active, pushrod-actuated Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve dampers, viewable through a polycarbonate window. This adaptive suspension can adjust from its softest to firmest setting in just 15 milliseconds. The two-spring setup around each damper enhances versatility, accommodating both track and street conditions. Each spring has different rates, with the softer spring hydraulically compressed in Track mode, lowering the car by 40 millimeters and effectively stiffening the spring rate. The front suspension employs a similar two-spring setup to adjust ride height.
Viewing the Suspension in Action
The viewing window measures 24 inches wide and 10 inches tall, coated with scratch-resistant materials on both sides. Visible through the rear window, this feature allows enthusiasts to appreciate the engineering from inside or outside the car. The sight of the suspension at work, typically hidden in most vehicles, now becomes a focal point for gearheads, showcasing the intricate mechanics involved in maintaining comfort and stability.
In Ford’s example photos, development work is evident, with zip ties holding a yellow K-type thermocouple likely used to record damper surface temperature, alongside a heat-activated sticker for visual indication.
The Mustang GTD’s Performance and Development Journey
The Mustang GTD will make its first European appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, followed by the 24 Hours of Spa and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. After a summer of testing throughout Europe, the Mustang GTD will attempt an official timed lap around the Nürburgring, showcasing its performance to the world.
Technical Specifications and Features
Adaptive Dampers and Suspension System
The GTD’s suspension system is a highlight, featuring Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve dampers capable of rapid adjustment. This system’s ability to transition between soft and firm settings in 15 milliseconds ensures the car can handle both street and track conditions with ease. The dual-spring setup around each damper is innovative, with different rates for each spring. The softer spring can be hydraulically compressed in Track mode, effectively lowering the car by 40 millimeters and increasing the spring rate. The front suspension utilizes a similar setup to adjust ride height, enhancing the car’s versatility.
Viewing Window
The viewing window into the rear suspension system is a unique feature, allowing enthusiasts to observe the engineering at work. Measuring 24 inches wide and 10 inches tall, this polycarbonate window is scratch-resistant on both sides. It offers a clear view of the suspension from both inside and outside the car, turning the typically hidden mechanics into a visual centerpiece.
Development Insights
In Ford’s provided photos, ongoing development is evident, with zip ties securing a yellow K-type thermocouple likely used to measure damper surface temperature. A heat-activated sticker serves as a visual indicator, highlighting the meticulous development process behind the GTD’s suspension system.
The Mustang GTD’s European Debut
The Mustang GTD will debut in Europe at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, followed by appearances at the 24 Hours of Spa and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This European tour is a crucial part of the car’s development, testing it on the stomping grounds of its competitors. The highlight will be an official timed lap attempt around the Nürburgring, showcasing the GTD’s performance on a global stage.
Performance and Engineering Excellence
Adaptive Suspension
The Mustang GTD’s adaptive suspension is a cornerstone of its performance, featuring Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve dampers. This system’s ability to switch between soft and firm settings in 15 milliseconds ensures versatility for both street and track use. The dual-spring setup, with different rates for each spring, enhances the car’s adaptability. The softer spring can be hydraulically compressed in Track mode, lowering the car by 40 millimeters and increasing the spring rate. The front suspension uses a similar dual-spring setup, providing a consistent ride height adjustment mechanism.
Viewing the Suspension
The polycarbonate viewing window, measuring 24 inches wide and 10 inches tall, is a standout feature. Scratch-resistant on both sides, this window provides a clear view of the suspension system, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate the engineering from both inside and outside the car. The intricate mechanics of the suspension, typically hidden in most vehicles, are now on display, offering a unique visual experience.
European Testing and Development
The Mustang GTD’s European tour includes appearances at prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Spa, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This rigorous testing in Europe, the home turf of its competitors, is crucial for the car’s development. The highlight will be an official timed lap attempt around the Nürburgring, aiming to demonstrate the GTD’s superior performance.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ford Mustang GTD promises to redefine performance, aiming to surpass top European sports cars and achieve a sub-seven-minute Nürburgring lap. Its revolutionary rear suspension, featuring Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve dampers, is a key factor in this pursuit. The viewing window into the suspension system offers a unique glimpse into the engineering marvels that enable such performance.
As the Mustang GTD makes its European debut and undergoes rigorous testing, it aims to prove its capabilities on a global stage. With innovative features and meticulous development, the Mustang GTD is set to establish new benchmarks in the world of performance cars, showcasing Ford’s commitment to engineering excellence and automotive innovation.