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 (HSS) crossmember which increases vehicle rigidity and features attachment housings for the third load line which are sufficiently strong to absorb the loads in the event of impact.
- HSS lower wishbones for longer life. On front-wheel drive vehicles, they are made of a single sheet of 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, improving ride quality.
- Steering knuckles are made of cast iron and are used on all models for greater agility and improved noise/vibration levels.
- MacPherson struts facilitate suspension damping.
- Coil springs which optimize the thrust axis and contain transverse loads on the shock absorber to improve comfort. The adoption of HSS springs also helps minimize weight.