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When the engineers at Ford Performance began designing the Ford GT back in 2013, the design team had three primary goals:
- To use the supercar as a training ground to develop future engine technology and stretch the understanding of vehicle aerodynamics.
- To push the boundaries of advanced material usage.
- Win the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
While many people may think that building a race car has little to do with developing a production vehicle, for the Ford GT team, transferring the race car’s aerodynamic efficiency to a vehicle that can be driven on the street today was a pivotal element to the success and popularity of the Ford GT program.
“All of the weight savings and engine advancements served a singular purpose — creating the fastest, most-efficient Ford GT ever,” Dave Pericak, former global director of Ford Performance, said. “Once that was achieved, we reinvested some of those weight savings in truly innovative technology that made the car even faster and more fun to drive.”
Engineering Explained breaks down how the complex suspension components found in the Ford GT work in sync to maintain stability and grip in any driving condition. The animation above also gives us a chance to visualize how the Multimatic Electronic Variable Spool Valve Dampers system works in conjunction with the adjustable ride height of the vehicle.
The Multimatic eDSSV system employed on the Ford GT allows the driver to change its spring rate, damping, and ride height with the twist of a dial. The system also helps the vehicle maintain the perfect amount of downforce at both its highest and lowest ride settings. The difference in ride height of the Ford GT’s hydraulic suspension is nearly 2 inches from Normal to Track mode, which also adjusts the suspension dual-spring rates, damper settings, and active aerodynamics to work in perfect unison.
So, now you know the Ford GT is more than a pretty face. It deftly fuses race-proven hardware and modern technology to deliver streetable supercar performance.
