The suspension allows a car to
tackle any type of route without transmitting wheel bumpiness inside
the car and reducing lateral and longitudinal body oscillations
(roll and pitch respectively). The suspension also damps vertical
movements and keeps the wheels firmly on the ground.The suspension must therefore assure passenger
comfort, handling and road holding to overcome critical situations
(possible causes of accidents - active safety - ).Front suspension, independent,
McPherson type with cast iron wishbones anchored to an auxiliary
crossmember.Offset coil springs and double acting, telescopic,
hydraulic shock absorbers. Anti-roll torsion bar.The rear suspension is the 'torsion axle'
type (semi-independent wheels).Coil springs and double acting, telescopic,
hydraulic shock absorbers.The front and rear wheel hubs on versions
equipped with A.B.S. have an instrument bearing for the active sensors
(refer to group 33) which replace the flywheel on previous systems.Both the front and rear track figures are
wider than for existing models which have the same suspension and
the wheel rims with a 6' channel improve both stability round bends
and tyre road holding.The front suspension is MacPherson type
and therefore includes the following components:The mechanical crossbeam consists of two
spot welded steel halves (FeE355) complemented by brackets for securing
the front wishbone and a MPT lower suspension link, spacers for
securing the steering box and worm screws for securing the torsion
beam. Four body anchorage points (rigid) are provided, two at the
front (M10 bolts) and two at the rear (M14 bolts).The shock absorbers are structural with
a rod diameter of 20 mm; they are complemented by lower brackets
for securing to the pillars, a spring support plate, brake anchorate
bracket and an ABS sensor cable (optional).The shock absorber upper attachment is
not split; it is elliptical to allow longitudinal suspension camber
to be differentiated according to whether the steering is manual
or power assisted.The coil springs are positioned to compensate
for lateral load on the shock absorber and rest on upper and lower
steel plates without any interposed rubber washersThe coaxial end stop buffers are in cellasto.
The shock absorbers come with a rod protection gaiter.The wishbone is in G40-30-15 cast iron;
The crossbeam fastening is assured by flexible bushes. The rear
bush axle is vertical while the front bush axle is horizontal (about
x) and designed for the best possible compromise between performance,
handling and comfort. The arm comes with a ball joint with rubber
gaiter.The stabiliser bar (present only on versions
with EPS power steering) is in solid steel with 20 mm diameter.
it is fastened to the beam by means of U bolts that consist of a
single steel plate and a rubber section. it is connected to the
shock absorber by means of a link with ball joints at either end.The strut is in G60-38-10 cast iron; The
heat shield retaining holes are separate from the brake caliper
holes. The shank seat of the ball pin joining the strut to the steernig
box links features a taper of 1:6.The hub is in forged steel.