CarCast+Edmunds - Ford Racing Chief Engineer and former Mustang Chief Engineer Carl Widmann.
About this episode
Carl Widmann, Ford Racing Chief Engineer and former Mustang Chief Engineer, shares insights on the evolution of Ford's performance vehicles, including the Mustang and Raptor. He discusses the challenges of balancing power and grip in high-performance cars, the community engagement through events like the Raptor Rally, and the future of hybrid technology in off-road vehicles. The conversation also touches on the unique characteristics of the Raptor lineup and the potential for a Mustang off-road variant, highlighting the brand's commitment to enthusiasts and performance.
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Ford Racing Production Vehicle Chief Engineer
"...I'm Ford Racing Production Vehicle Chief Engineer. What does that mean?"
This title means Carl is in charge of making sure Ford's racing cars are built correctly and safely, focusing on their performance.
The title refers to a senior engineering role responsible for overseeing the development and production of racing vehicles at Ford, ensuring they meet performance and safety standards.
Ford GT500
"Raptors, when we did GT 500, that type of vehicle, GTD..."
The Ford GT500 is a fast version of the Mustang, designed for people who love speed and racing.
The Ford GT500 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, known for its powerful engine and racing heritage.
Ford Mustang
"...o the Ford Racing side of things, you were on the Mustang team, so maybe we'll start there."
The Ford Mustang is a famous car that many people love because it looks cool and goes really fast. It's been around for a long time and is often talked about when people discuss sports cars or racing.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. Known for its powerful performance and distinctive styling, the Mustang has become a symbol of American automotive culture and is often discussed in the context of racing and performance vehicles.
EcoBoost
"...the Hypo, the Hyper Formance 2.3 EcoBoost, so at least see..."
EcoBoost is a type of engine made by Ford that uses a turbocharger to help it use less gas while still being powerful. It's meant to be more efficient than regular engines.
EcoBoost is a line of turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engines developed by Ford. These engines are designed to provide better fuel efficiency and performance compared to traditional engines.
V8 engine
"...when they launched the V8 Mustang in Europe..."
A V8 engine is a powerful type of engine that has eight cylinders. It's often used in fast cars, making them go really quickly.
A V8 engine is a type of engine configuration with eight cylinders arranged in a 'V' shape. It is known for providing high power and performance, commonly found in muscle cars like the Ford Mustang.
Ford Bullitt
"even longer. We've had Bullitt, the Mach 1, Bullitt, Mach 1, Boss 302, several v..."
The Ford Bullitt is a special version of the Mustang that celebrates a famous movie from the 1960s. It's known for being fast and having a cool look, making it popular among car lovers.
The Ford Bullitt is a special edition of the Mustang that pays homage to the iconic 1968 film 'Bullitt,' featuring a powerful engine and unique styling. It is celebrated for its performance and connection to automotive history, particularly among fans of the film and muscle cars.
Shelby GT500
"...1, Bullitt, Mach 1, Boss 302, several variants of GT500 when that license name was available."
Shelby Cobra
"...it's gone from, let's say, 93, you know, from the Cobra back then to now, has been amazing, right, from ..."
The Shelby Cobra is a classic sports car from the 1960s that is famous for being fast and lightweight. It's a favorite among car collectors and racing fans because of its unique design and performance.
The Shelby Cobra is a legendary sports car that was produced in the 1960s, known for its lightweight design and powerful V8 engine. It has become a symbol of American performance and is often discussed in the context of classic car collecting and racing history.
DCT transmission
"...from 5-speed T5 in the 93 Mustang to DCT transmissions because the engines are..."
DCT is a type of car transmission that helps the car change gears quickly and smoothly. It uses two clutches to make the process faster than regular automatic transmissions.
DCT stands for Dual-Clutch Transmission, a type of automatic transmission that uses two separate clutches for odd and even gears. This allows for faster gear changes and improved performance compared to traditional automatic transmissions.
Ford GT
"...can run head-to-head with a 4GT. Totally different experience than you use a lot of more track with a GT 500..."
The Ford GT is a fast sports car made by Ford. It's built for racing and has a strong engine that helps it go really fast.
The Ford GT is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced aerodynamics and powerful engine. It has a rich racing heritage and is designed for both track performance and street use.
Ford Mustang GT500
"...with a GT 500 to make that happen, but the challenge was with that, to get that full power of the supercharger down to the ground consistently."
The Ford Mustang GT500 is a very powerful version of the Ford Mustang. It has a supercharged engine, which means it can go really fast and is great for racing.
The Ford Mustang GT500 is a high-performance variant of the Mustang, equipped with a supercharged engine that delivers exceptional power and speed. It's designed for both drag racing and track performance.
supercharger
"...to get that full power of the supercharger down to the ground consistently."
A supercharger is a part that helps an engine get more air, which makes it more powerful. It helps the car go faster by giving it extra power.
A supercharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This results in increased horsepower and torque.
rear wheel drive
"know, the rear wheel drive ultimately, you're always traction limited. So we realized that this wasn't really showing off the vehicle in its best light..."
In rear wheel drive cars, the back wheels get the power from the engine. This can make the car handle better but can also make it harder to drive in slippery conditions because the back wheels can lose grip.
Rear wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This setup can enhance handling and performance, especially in sports cars, but can also lead to traction limitations in certain conditions.
supercharged
"...which we just supercharged, which we're trying to get back to that GT 500..."
Supercharging means adding a device to the engine that forces more air into it. This helps the engine produce more power, making the car faster.
Supercharging is a method of forced induction that increases an engine's power output by compressing the intake air. This allows for more air and fuel to enter the engine, resulting in greater horsepower and torque.
Fiat 500S
"...lse, but we've seen plenty of pictures of new GT 500s running around and reported on Edmunds and everyt..."
The Fiat 500 is a tiny car that is great for driving around the city. It's cute and easy to park, making it a popular choice for people who live in crowded areas.
The Fiat 500 is a small city car that combines retro styling with modern efficiency. Known for its compact size and maneuverability, it's often discussed as an ideal vehicle for urban driving and as a symbol of Italian automotive design.
horsepower
"...we've got GT 500, 700, 760 horsepower. Is there a world in which you say, I mean, we're not going to see..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, with higher numbers generally signifying better performance.
wide-body kit
"Because you look at what we did on the GTD, you'll see it's a wide-body kit."
A wide-body kit makes a car wider so it can fit bigger tires. This helps the car handle better and look cooler.
A wide-body kit is an aftermarket modification that increases the width of a vehicle's body. This allows for larger tires and improved handling, as well as a more aggressive appearance.
grip
"...what you're playing is grip on the track is being around..."
Grip is how well the tires stick to the road. More grip means a car can go faster around corners without slipping.
Grip refers to the friction between the tires and the road surface, which affects a car's ability to accelerate, brake, and corner effectively. Higher grip levels allow for better performance during driving.
rear drive
"...there's a limitation in the rear drive and a big tire to really get around the track..."
Rear drive means the back wheels of the car get the power from the engine. This can make cars handle differently, especially when they have a lot of power.
Rear drive, or rear-wheel drive (RWD), is a vehicle layout where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This configuration can enhance handling and performance but may lead to oversteer in powerful cars.
Chevrolet Corvette
"I mean, we just so just tested the Corvette ZR1, and you know, you've got 1064 horsepower..."
The Corvette ZR1 is a super-fast sports car made by Chevrolet. It's built for high performance and has a very powerful engine.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a high-performance variant of the Corvette sports car, known for its powerful engine and advanced technology. It represents the pinnacle of Corvette engineering, offering exceptional speed and handling.
Raptor
"It's the same with the Raptor, isn't it? Raptor is such a massive, heavy vehicle with this enormous amount of power."
The Raptor is a special version of the Ford F-150 truck that is built for off-road driving. It has a strong engine and is designed to handle rough trails.
The Ford F-150 Raptor is a high-performance off-road variant of the popular F-150 pickup truck. It is designed for rugged terrain and features a powerful engine, advanced suspension, and aggressive styling.
zero to sixty
"my favorite one when I ask that question is how much power is in that? It's when you black out when you're doing a zero to sixty."
Zero to sixty is a way to measure how fast a car can go from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's often used to show how powerful and quick a car is.
Zero to sixty refers to the time it takes for a vehicle to accelerate from a complete stop to 60 miles per hour. It's a common performance metric used to assess a car's acceleration capabilities.
Ford F150
"for your tickets to the 100 year tour. Raptor, 15 years now. We're about 15 years into an anniversary with Raptor and the Raptor brand has expanded. Of course, we've got the F-150, the F-150R, the Bronco and the Ranger. We've driven them all. They're fantastic. When this"
The Ford F-150 is a very popular truck that people use for work and play. It's strong and can carry a lot of stuff, which is why many people choose it for their daily needs.
The Ford F-150 is one of the best-selling pickup trucks in the United States, known for its durability, versatility, and capability. It has a long history of being used for both work and recreation, making it a popular choice among truck enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Ford Bronco
"... Of course, we've got the F-150, the F-150R, the Bronco and the Ranger. We've driven them all. They're fa..."
Ford Ranger
"...we've got the F-150, the F-150R, the Bronco and the Ranger. We've driven them all. They're fantastic..."
The Ford Ranger is a smaller pickup truck that is good for both work and play. It has a strong build and can handle different types of driving needs.
The Ford Ranger is a midsize pickup truck known for its versatility, offering a balance of capability and efficiency, suitable for both work and recreational use.
Dodge Spirit
"...hat are unique that really are always back to the spirit of, hey, this is the best off-road truck we know..."
The Dodge Spirit is a regular car that was made in the late 80s and 90s. It's known for being a good choice for families because it's affordable and practical.
The Dodge Spirit is a mid-size sedan that was produced in the late 1980s and 1990s, known for its practicality and affordability. While not as celebrated as other models, it represents a significant era in Dodge's history and is often discussed in the context of family cars from that time.
Gen 1 Raptor
"...who worked on the Gen 1 Raptor, and so that understanding of where we need to improve..."
Gen 1 Raptor is the first version of a special off-road truck made by Ford. It's built to handle tough terrains and is known for its powerful performance.
The Gen 1 Raptor refers to the first generation of the Ford Raptor, a high-performance off-road version of the F-150 that was introduced in 2010. It is designed for rugged terrain and features enhancements for off-road capability.
Renault Latitude
"... did when we laid it out, and we have a lot more latitude on the number of parts we've changed. From the in..."
The Renault Latitude is a comfortable car that is bigger inside, making it nice for long drives. It's not very common, but it's made for people who want a smooth ride.
The Renault Latitude is a mid-size sedan that was produced primarily for international markets, known for its comfort and spacious interior. Although not widely recognized, it represents Renault's efforts to compete in the global sedan market.
overlanding
"...be it overlanding, be it running in Baja, be it SoCal Raptors, we'll be off road and end up at a winery. But it was just fun."
Overlanding is a type of travel where people use their vehicles to go to faraway places, often camping along the way. It's about the adventure of the trip, not just getting to a destination.
Overlanding refers to self-reliant travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal, often involving off-road vehicles and camping. It's about exploring and experiencing the outdoors, typically with a focus on adventure and sustainability.
Baja
"...be it overlanding, be it running in Baja, be it SoCal Raptors, we'll be off road and end up at a winery. But it was just fun."
Baja is a place in Mexico known for tough off-road races, like the Baja 1000. It's a popular spot for people who love driving on rough terrain.
Baja refers to the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, known for its challenging off-road racing events, particularly the Baja 1000. This race is famous for its rugged terrain and is a significant event in off-road motorsports.
SoCal Raptors
"...be it overlanding, be it running in Baja, be it SoCal Raptors, we'll be off road and end up at a winery. But it was just fun."
SoCal Raptors are fans of the Ford Raptor truck, especially in Southern California. They often modify their trucks for better off-road performance and enjoy outdoor activities.
SoCal Raptors refers to a community or group of enthusiasts who own and modify Ford Raptor trucks, particularly in Southern California. The Ford Raptor is known for its high-performance off-road capabilities.
Ford Explorer
"another great customer product for us is the Explorer ST."
The Ford Explorer ST is a sporty SUV that has a strong engine and is fun to drive. It's a good choice for families who want something that can also be exciting.
The Ford Explorer ST is a performance-oriented version of the Explorer SUV, featuring a more powerful engine and sportier handling. It's designed for those who want a blend of utility and performance.
Ford Ranger Raptor
"...Yeah, I think it's funny. I'm very bullish on the Ranger Raptor. I think the second generation has a great setup..."
The Ford Raptor Ranger is a special version of a pickup truck made for off-roading. It's built to handle rough trails and is really fun to drive in the dirt.
The Ford Raptor Ranger is a high-performance variant of the Ford Ranger, designed for off-road enthusiasts. With enhanced suspension and powerful engines, it is built to tackle tough terrains while providing a thrilling driving experience.
three-liter
"I think it's funny. I'm very bullish on the Ranger Raptor. I think the second generation has a great setup in it with the three-liter."
The three-liter is a way to describe how big the engine is. A bigger engine usually means more power.
The three-liter refers to the engine displacement of 3.0 liters, which indicates the size of the engine and its potential power output.
live valve
"Both of them are set up with live valve, which gives a tremendous amount of control and jounce on the vehicle so you can put the power down."
Live valve is a feature that helps the car's suspension adjust automatically while driving, making it handle better on different surfaces.
Live valve technology allows for real-time adjustments to the suspension system, improving vehicle handling and ride quality based on driving conditions.
Kia Borrego
"...pproach angle, it takes, I've never driven it in Borrego and ever care about what's in front of me. It is..."
The Kia Borrego is a roomy SUV that can carry a lot of people and stuff. It's good for families and those who like to go on adventures.
The Kia Borrego is a mid-size SUV that was designed for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a spacious interior and off-road capabilities. While it had a short production run, it is often discussed for its value and practicality in the SUV market.
Porsche 911
"...e performance gain, I think about things like the 911 GTS, or to give you that kind of instantaneous p..."
The Porsche 911 is a fancy sports car that many people admire for its speed and style. It's known for being really fun to drive and is often seen as one of the best cars in its class.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has been a benchmark in the automotive world since its introduction in 1964. Renowned for its distinctive design and exceptional handling, the 911 is often discussed in terms of its engineering excellence and driving experience.
BMW M5
"...sting. I think we talked last week about the BMW M5. And that said, there's a five and a half thousan..."
The BMW M5 is a sporty version of a regular BMW car that is made to go really fast and feel luxurious. It's popular with people who love driving and want a car that combines comfort with speed.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series, designed for those who seek a blend of luxury and speed. With powerful engines and advanced technology, the M5 is often praised for its driving dynamics and is a favorite among car enthusiasts.
Toyota Land Cruiser
"... in August. I drove to Monterey and drove like a Land Cruiser hybrid. And I was like, listen, isn't the Land Cr..."
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a tough SUV that can go anywhere, even on rough roads. It's known for being very reliable and is great for people who like to go on adventures.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a rugged SUV known for its off-road capabilities and reliability. With a long history of adventure and exploration, it is often favored by those who need a vehicle that can handle tough terrains while providing comfort and durability.
Lamborghini Huracan
"...that would be insane. I've driven the Lamborghini Huracan off-roader. So, you know, everything's possible...."
The Lamborghini Huracan is a super fancy sports car that is really fast and looks amazing. It's a dream car for many people because of its speed and style.
The Lamborghini Huracan is a high-performance supercar known for its stunning design and powerful V10 engine. It represents the pinnacle of luxury and speed in the automotive world, often discussed in the context of exotic cars and performance driving.
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