Lightweight Strut
Less weight –
more efficiency
The fact that vehicles have gotten heavier with better equipment and crash safety measures has made “lightweight” attractive in the small- and micro-car segment: ZF presents an ultra-light McPherson strut with integrated wheel carrier for use in mini and micro cars.
Coherent Overall Concept
Strut with fiberglass wheel carrier
The McPherson strut with integrated wheel carrier is made of fiberglass and weighs only half as much as conventional steel struts. The design concept is based on use in mini and micro cars with a curb weight of less than one ton. The lightweight damper is in sync the overall concept of small cars: low weight, less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, improved comfort, and noise reduction. In terms of durability, ZF engineers have broken new ground with the upside-down design of the cylinder tube, which offsets high bending stress.
Despite its considerable weight savings, the lightweight suspension strut has all the features of a modern damper – it is realistic in meeting market demands. In a further step, ZF is now working on transferring this lightweight technology to larger vehicles.
Further information
Contact
Holger Kirsch
Trade Press Passenger Cars
Tel. +49 7541 77-2488
Fax. +49 7541 77-90 2488
E-mail:
holger.kirsch@zf.com
