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 The first ingredient in the package is a high-performance summer
tire, and the 19-inch Pirelli P Zero P255/40ZR-19 proved to be an
inspired choice for improved grip. Ford's engineering team then went to
work on the underpinnings of the 2010 Mustang GT coupe, using Ford's
proven technology from the Shelby GT500 program.
The roll gradient (how much the car rolls while steering) was
reduced nearly 13 percent compared with the base 2010 Mustang GT.
Damping was increased by 23 percent in the front and 8 percent in the
rear in the low- to mid-speed compared to the 2010 Mustang GT.
"By reducing the roll gradient, the car stays flatter in
turns," said Tom Barnes, Vehicle Engineering Manager, 2010 Mustang.
"And when the car is flatter, the driver is more in command and more
confident in what the car's doing.
"Great handling comes from great control. A driver's control
of the vehicle is facilitated by information. This Track Pack
communicates to the driver through the tires and suspension so well
that is it easy to drive very quickly. It rewards smooth driving, while
offering great capacity to cover driver error."
In addition to the hardware changes and extensive tuning, the
Ford team also took a more holistic approach to improving the Track
Pack Mustang.
"Handling is not just chassis," Barnes said. "Vehicle dynamics
– how the Mustang responds under acceleration and braking – is
important as well."
The solution from the powertrain part of the equation was to use a 3.73 limited-slip axle with carbon-fiber clutch plates.
"The 3.73 axle allows for a more-responsive Mustang, especially
at mid-range speeds," Barnes said. "The carbon-fiber plates allow a
very robust architecture in terms of temperature and repeated hard
driving on the track."
Performance® Friction brake pads, which better resist brake
fade, are used front and rear. Both the anti-lock braking system (ABS)
and AdvanceTrac were retuned to complement the advanced capabilities of
the new tires and brakes. AdvanceTrac is standard on the 2010 GT coupe
and can be operated in any of three modes: On, Off or Sport.
"The Track Pack covers all the bases," Barnes said. "The new
tires give the Mustang more grip, we have a more-responsive
acceleration, better brake linings that are more consistent over time
and the car is tied down better because of the changes to the bars and
the shock tuning."
"Track Pack has the grip, the handling and it has the 'go.'
And it absolutely can be used as a daily driver. Track Pack offers the
best of both worlds – great performance on the track or if you're
cruising down the road."
FR3 Handling Package
Ford Racing's FR3 Handling Pack which is
available for self install or by your local dealer will include a full
factory warranty. It features components proven out on the racetrack
including re-tuned dampers with increased compression and rebound, high
performance lowering springs that have a 1 inch lower ride height and
increased rate, stiffened front and rear sway bars, and a strut tower
brace. "The FR3 Handling Pack is derived from our extensive experience
with the Ford Mustang FR500C competing in the Grand-Am KONI Challenge
and FIA GT4," said Andy Slankard, Engineering Supervisor, Ford Racing.
"At Ford, we always apply what we learn at the track to the
street," said Fritz Wilke, Mustang Performance/Enthusiast Manager. "The
Track Pack and Ford Racing FR3 Handling Pack continue that heritage and
give our performance customers great ways to have an even sportier
experience in the 2010 Mustang GT coupe."
The Track Pack retails for $1,495 while the FR3 Handling Pack retails for $1,335.
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