Tech That Gives Top Athletes Edge Makes Driving Ford Mustang MagneRide
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.