Strip of Duct Tape Improves 2018 Mustang Handling and Gas Mileage

Computers and other data-driven technologies have been a huge boon for not only the automotive industry, but also our entire society as a whole. But no matter how technologically-advanced we get as a society, nothing will ever be more important than human intuition and the inherent problem-solving skills of the human brain. Case in point, the 2018 Ford Mustang’s handling and gas mileage has been greatly improved over what was offered by the 2017 Ford Mustang, and while computers and other technologies played a big role in achieving that accomplishment, two Ford engineers and a regular strip of duct tape played just as big a role. What part did the duct tape play? Read on and find out.

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It all started with Ford engineers Jonathan Gesek and Mike Del Zio taking the prototype of the 2018 Ford Mustang out for a few high-speed laps on the Ford test track. After a few trips around the track, the pair decided the new Ford Mustang just wasn’t handling the way they wanted it to. Instead of heading back to the lab to hop on a computer and try to figure out how to get the new Mustang up to par, Gesek instead decided all they needed was a strip of duct tape, which he placed over the lower gap of the grille in an effort to reduce the front-end lift of the car. After a few more laps, the pair realized that little piece of duct tape had made all the difference, which then led them to redesign the grille, lower the nose, increase the size of the front splitter and add a rocker shield. Active grille shutters were also made standard across the 2018 Ford Mustang lineup to reduce drag at higher speeds. Not only has all of this improved the handling and responsiveness of the new Ford Mustang, but it’s also increased gas mileage.

For more on the 2018 Ford Mustang and all of our other new Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, please reach out to our friendly Brandon Ford staff in Tampa, FL.