GT350 Mustang features novel composite structural component

A lightweight composite material shaped by a unique assembly technique forms a grille opening reinforcement (GOR) designed specifically for the high-performance 2016 Ford Shelby GT350 Mustang. The two-piece GOR is an industry first, and the automaker is in the process of applying for a patent, according to Peter Thai, Performance Body Exterior Engineer at Ford Motor Co.

Developing a GOR that would fit in a packaging space smaller than the 2015 Mustang was no easy task, noted Gari Schalte, Magna Exteriors' Product Line Engineering Manager-Front End Modules.