Ford Media Center

Tech That Gives Top Athletes Edge Makes Driving Mustang More Fun

  • Ford Mustang now uses magnetic liquid in shock absorbers for improved ride

  • MagneRide® technology improves sports car’s handling for smoother cornering and braking

  • The same technology enhances artificial limb joints for amputee snowboarders and skiers

COLOGNE, Germany, March 16, 2018 – It’s what helps athletes with disabilities stay stable as they snowboard and ski. And now it is being used in the new Ford Mustang for a better driving experience.

For amputees who have lost a leg above the knee, Magnetorheological fluid (MRF) enhances artificial knee joints so they better absorb impacts – and enables them to react more quickly following a high impact landing.

The use of MRF in Mustang’s MagneRide® suspension shock absorbers, or dampers, ensures the car is fun to drive and has a smooth, refined ride. Sensors monitor road conditions and electromagnets control iron particles suspended in oil within the shock absorbers. The magnetic field is automatically adjusted 1,000 times per second to align the particles in individual dampers so they are firmer for sharp cornering, or softer for more comfortable cruising.

“Athletes compete in extremely challenging conditions where control is everything. Similarly, with Mustang, MagneRide® helps drivers to react to changing conditions in real time by delivering exactly the right response for each situation,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe.

The sleeker, faster and more technologically-advanced new Ford Mustang features more athletic styling, is offered with a 5.0-litre Ford V8 engine that delivers 450 PS and can cover 0 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.3 seconds.

# # #

MagneRide® is a trademarked technology of BWI Group

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 202,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

 

Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 54,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 69,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and eight unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.

CO2 Emission