Front Suspension & Wheel Alignment: Front: Description
The front suspension is MacPherson type. The MacPherson layout is renowned for its characteristics of compact dimensions and light weight. The geometry characteristics have been optimized to improve the loss of camber somewhat in order to achieve enhanced steering response and handling.
The front suspension consists of:
- A flat high-strength-steel crossmember which increases the vehicle's rigidity and features attachment housings for the third load line which are sufficiently strong to absorb the loads in the event of impact.
- High-strength-steel lower wishbones for longer life. On front-wheel drive vehicles they are made of a single sheet of high-strength steel (HSS). On 4 X 4 vehicles they are made with double sheets of HSS. The production process permits optimal weight to be achieved, contributing to efficiency in terms of fuel consumption.
- The stabilizer bar connecting rods are made of composite material - an innovative and rare application (they are more commonly made of steel) - which optimizes the exchange of forces between the suspension and chassis and efficiently filters out vibrations, further improving ride quality.
- Aluminium stub axles (available later with regard to the commercial launch; at launch they are made of cast iron) are used on 4 X 4 models for the reduced weight and greater agility, and they improve noise/vibration levels.
- Coil springs which optimize the thrust axis and contain transverse loads on the shock absorber to improve comfort. The adoption of high-strength-steel springs also permitted minimal weight.