Ford has recently upgraded its state-of-the-art Rolling Road Wind Tunnel (RRWT), which can help improve Aerodynamics research and design the next generation of Ford electric gas, hybrid, and hybrid vehicles.
Rolling Road surface in the wind tunnel can be capable of at least 200 mph and the speed of air. This means that aerodynamicists can recreate the conditions that are encountered on the road track, facilitating research and giving more chances for further research and development.
The Rolling Road Wind Tunnel was used to aid in the development of the brand-new Mustang (r) Dark Horse (TM), which has the greatest power of the 5.0-liter Mustang when equipped with the Handling Package available that aids the vehicle in sticking to the ground, both on the road and at the track.
Dearborn, MI, June 13, 2023 Wind tunnels are long utilized to develop and test the aerodynamics and efficiency of vehicles. Today, Ford has combined modern wind tunnel technology and an equivalent to a vehicle-sized treadmill to create the next generation of production vehicles. This includes the new Mustang Dark Horse.
It is capable of simulating wind as well as the speed of roads up to 200 miles per hour. It is capable of simulating wind and road surface speeds of 200 mph. Rolling Road Wind Tunnel (RRWT) allows testing of efficiency- and performance-driven vehicles from the Ford range – including the upcoming Generation of Ford electric gasoline, hybrid, and hybrid cars.
“The amount of air moved by our wind tunnel is enough to fill a K-Class blimp in just over 5 seconds.” — John Toth, North America Wind Tunnels Engineering Supervisor.
One major benefit that comes with the benefits offered by RRWT is the fact that it provides more precise data in terms of downforce and wind drag in comparison to earlier designs for wind tunnels, which are essential in optimizing the range and efficiency. It also permits more testing in-house that mimics open-road conditions. This will help in reducing the design cost while also speeding up the process of designing.
“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,” Toth. Toth. “Testing while the wheels and tires move is instrumental to improving aerodynamics for track-ready vehicles, like Mustang Dark Horse which has to balance both aerodynamic drags and downforce.”
A new five-belt roll road system is able to replicate the real-world drag in an aerodynamic road tunnel that allows Ford to connect road traffic to vehicles instead of the vehicle being connected to the road.
To ensure the best aerodynamic efficiency, Each wheel is fitted with its belt that makes up the four first belts. A fifth belt is a long one that is found under the center of the car. A crane can be utilized to switch between single-belt and five-belt systems. It is an industrial plug-and-play. Single belt, which can run at speeds of up to 200 mph, offers a new kind of testing to test the high-speed performance vehicle.
Maximizing downforce on Mustang Dark Horse
Mustang Dark Horse Mustang Dark Horse is among the first vehicles that will undergo testing in this test wind tunnel.
Customized aerodynamics are an essential element in the design of new vehicles.
For trucks and passenger cars, It is important to minimize drag, resulting in an efficient vehicle. For cars like those like the Mustang Dark Horse that prioritize speed and track performance, aerodynamicists sacrifice low pain in exchange for greater downforce. This helps cars remain on the track or road and enhances the handling experience when turning.
Mustang Dark Horse Mustang Dark Horse comes with an option Gurney flap that acts as an extra plate that attaches onto the rear wings in order to assist in generating additional downforce along with three vertical plates that come off the underside of the body, in front of each wheel. These are known as the strakes. The strakes hinder the flow of air, creating more force across the lower part of the car and aiding the vehicle to stay in place in tight corners and at higher speeds.
The overall design of Mustang Dark Horse includes several changes and other features, such as a revamped front bumper as well as a lower valence, a spoiler, and some unique wheels. The front styling is designed to allow for increased flow of air to cool engine brakes, air intake, and cooling and also reduce front lift. The Mustang Dark Horse, the lower air spoiler, and the splitter are distinct, allowing the car to be adapted to a greater force of downforce. The new handling package for the Dark Horse provides a unique splitter as well as a spoiler and wheels. The changes might seem minor, but they will make all the difference when you’re on the road or track with speed in mind.
