Ford has utilized a cutting-edge rolling road wind tunnel, capable of simulating speeds up to 200 mph, in the development of the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse. This high-performance vehicle, starting at $60,865 and hitting the market this summer, now boasts the highest level of downforce among previous Mustang models equipped with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, particularly when equipped with the available Handling Package.
Overview of Ford Mustang
The rolling road wind tunnel is an innovative combination of a traditional wind tunnel and a rolling surface. Each wheel of the test vehicle is fitted with its own belt, functioning similar to a treadmill. Alternatively, a single large belt can be employed.
This setup allows the wheels to rotate at realistic speeds during testing, providing Ford engineers with more precise drag and downforce data. This is especially significant when evaluating the aerodynamic effects of various wheel patterns.
Testing the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the rolling road wind tunnel
John Toth, Ford’s North America Wind Tunnels Engineering Supervisor, emphasized the importance of testing while the wheels and tires are in motion. This dynamic testing is crucial for enhancing the aerodynamics of track-ready vehicles like the Mustang Dark Horse, which must balance aerodynamic drag and downforce.
Such testing not only benefits high-performance vehicles that rely on downforce for enhanced road grip but also proves advantageous for regular vehicles, particularly electric ones. Low drag is essential for maximizing efficiency and increasing the range of electric vehicles.
Moreover, engineers also prioritize aeroacoustics, especially in electric vehicles. With the absence of noise from internal combustion engines and exhaust systems, the wind noise experienced during driving becomes more apparent. Consequently, the wind noise issue is carefully examined during development to ensure quiet operation.
The rolling road surface also enables extensive testing that previously required open-road trials to be conducted in the controlled environment of the laboratory. This approach saves costs and reduces vehicle development time, according to Ford.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about rolling road wind tunnel
What is the purpose of the rolling road wind tunnel used by Ford?
The purpose of the rolling road wind tunnel used by Ford is to simulate speeds of up to 200 mph and gather accurate drag and downforce data for vehicle testing and development.
How does the rolling road wind tunnel work?
The rolling road wind tunnel combines a traditional wind tunnel with a rolling surface. Each wheel of the test vehicle is equipped with its own belt, similar to a treadmill, allowing realistic wheel rotation during testing.
What is the significance of downforce in the Mustang Dark Horse?
The Mustang Dark Horse, developed using the rolling road wind tunnel, boasts the highest level of downforce among previous Mustang models with a 5.0-liter V-8 engine. This downforce enhances road grip and track performance.
Why is the rolling road wind tunnel beneficial for electric vehicles?
The rolling road wind tunnel is beneficial for electric vehicles as it allows engineers to optimize aerodynamics and reduce drag, improving efficiency and increasing the range of electric vehicles.
How does the rolling road wind tunnel help in reducing wind noise?
By examining the sound of wind as a vehicle travels at high speeds, the rolling road wind tunnel helps identify and address wind noise issues, which are more apparent in electric vehicles due to their quiet operation.
What are the advantages of using the rolling road surface for testing?
Using the rolling road surface for testing allows for extensive testing that previously required open-road trials. This approach saves costs, reduces vehicle development time, and provides a controlled environment for accurate data collection.
More about rolling road wind tunnel
- Ford Performance – Rolling Road Wind Tunnel
- 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse
- Importance of Downforce in High-Performance Vehicles
- Benefits of Aerodynamics in Electric Vehicles
- Exploring Wind Noise in Electric Vehicles
- Advantages of Controlled Environment Testing
- Innovation in Wind Tunnel Testing