3D printing has grown in terms of popularity quite a lot in recent years, and we aren’t just talking about folks that use that tech to create one-off things for themselves. Rather, automakers like Ford are also embracing 3D printing in various ways, whether it be to prototype future production parts or even make components for its forthcoming Formula 1 power unit destined for the Oracle Red Bull Racing team. Turns out, 3D printing also played a role in helping the 2025 Ford Mustang GTD set a blazing quick lap time at the Nurburgring, too.
In a recent interview, 2025 Ford Mustang GTD Chief Program Engineer Greg Goodall told The Drive that his team was 3D printing and engineering various parts at the Nurburgring while it was working on setting its best lap time, all while feeding data back home so that it could be analyzed and developed further. One specific example Goodall gave pertains to the GTD’s “hood flicks” located around the vents, which were something that the team quite literally created after it figured out that such a thing could help shave some time.
“Hey, this isn’t in the design, we 3D-printed some parts we’ve been testing out here,” Mustang GTD Vehicle Dynamics Technical Specialist Steve Thompson communicated from Germany at the time. “It’s worth X amount of time on the ‘Ring. We want this. Can you figure out how to make that happen?” After a week or two, the team figured it out, creating a part that resulted in some additional downforce and a quicker lap time.
These hood flicks are just one of several features that helped the Ford Mustang GTD lap the ‘Ring in 6:52.072 on the second attempt, though The Blue Oval plans to head back and give it another shot. Moving forward, the freshly renamed Ford Racing division will work on trickling down more of this motorsports-derived tech to road-going vehicles, too.
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I read that as 3-D Printing becomes more mainstream, it'll become more popular in factory settings, as it can produce single piece components that casting and other methods simply can not. Combining what used to be separate components into one unit, with increase strength of said unit, potentially reduce weight, and the total number of parts needed to complete a final build. Looks like a win-win to me!
Maybe 3D Printing some new Video Camera/Night Vision Side Mirrors and having the Displays on the Screen, to prevent having to move your attention from straight ahead. Not the Hyundai Turn Signal activated display, but Full time 360 coverage.
When you're in the middle lane in downtown Atlanta, it would be nice to have all that right in front of you without having to swivel your head left and right. Overlay the Speed and RPM/Gear on the screen.
About time Ford and the DOT moved into the Future. Less drag and better/safer situational awareness. Why not prove it works on the Ring? NASCAR has their Rear View Monitors. Time for Customers to get theirs.