Chassis

Chassis components

Conventional front axle solutions consists of double track control arms or McPherson strut axles. More extensive technical developments including solutions with resolved link pivot level are being put to increasing use in modern chassis. For example, the so-called four-link suspension, which is based on the double track control arm solution has a resolved link pivot level for better handling characteristics. However, it is also very sensitive and needs intensive maintenance on account of its many individual settings. For example, if the toe-in curve is not aligned during wheel adjustment, the vehicle could swerve on very uneven surfaces and possible cause a major accident.

Progress is also constantly being made in terms of rear axle design, with constant improvements in driving properties and comfort in recent years. While through to the mid- '90s most front-wheel drive vehicles were fitted with twist beam rear axles , meanwhile the latest generation of vehicles from all manufacturers are fitted almost exclusively with independent rear-wheel suspension – an ideal solution that warrants the best possible road contact.