Ford developed the Mustang in a new, state-of-the-art 200-mph wind tunnel.
Ford has announced that it has installed a new 200-MPH Rolling Road Wind Tunnel, first used in the development of the upcoming 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Naturally, it will not lay dormant until the next sports car comes around; the wind tunnel will be used to research and develop the aero of next-generation electric, hybrid, and gas vehicles.
Of course, the biggest benefits come to vehicles with a sporting disposition, and Ford claims that this wind tunnel helped it create the highest-downforce 5.0-liter Mustang to date (referring to the Dark Horse with the optional Handling Package). Essentially, Ford has developed this pony car like a supercar, which should help it find success globally in various motorsport disciplines.
The rolling road and wind tunnel can simulate wind and road speeds of 200 mph, pumping five million cubic feet of air every five seconds, or “enough to fill a K-Class blimp,” according to John Toth, North America Wind Tunnels Engineering Supervisor.
With this installation, Ford can more accurately measure data for both drag and downforce, which will help boost range and efficiency. In addition, the tunnel will help reduce design costs and accelerate the development of new vehicles in the design process.
“The closer we can get to reality in the lab, the better and faster we can create more energy-efficient vehicles with great on-road and track stability,” said Toth. “Testing while the wheels and tires move is instrumental to improving aerodynamics for track-ready vehicles, like the Mustang Dark Horse, which has to balance both aerodynamic drag and downforce.”
“We spent approximately 250 hours in the wind tunnel developing the 2024 Ford Mustang, which includes Dark Horse,” said Jonathan Gesek, a program aerodynamicist for the Mustang and Bronco. This led to the inclusion of elements like an optional Gurney flap, strakes near each front wheel for more underbody downforce, and body parts that help direct air to the engine coolers, intake, and brakes.
The rolling road element of the setup is just as important as the power of the wind turbine. In this case, it features a five-belt rolling road “that can replicate real-world drag” from the tires. Each wheel gets its own belt, and a large fifth belt runs under the middle of the car.
With this new tech installed in Dearborn, Ford invests in long-term growth. Efficiency will only become more important are vehicles get bigger and heavier, and if Ford can produce larger yet more efficient vehicles than the competition, its future will continue to be bright.
Keyword: Ford Mustang Dark Horse Was Developed Like A Supercar