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Your Next City Car Could Have Carbon Fibre Suspension Technology

Although introduced at last years Frankfurt Motor Show, we haven't heard much about ZF's new carbon fibre damper. Designed for ...

Your Next City Car Could Have Carbon Fibre Suspension Technology

Posted on 14 April 2010 by Scott

Although introduced at last years Frankfurt Motor Show, we haven’t heard much about ZF’s new carbon fibre damper.

Designed for micro cars, the carbon fibre dampers weigh nearly 50% less than aluminum dampers. This results in improved fuel efficiency and reduced unsprung mass (for increased ride comfort). On top of this, the “newly designed plastic components make previous heavy steel components, like the spring cap, unnecessary.”

According to Dr. Peter Ottenbruch, head of ZF’s Powertrain and Suspension Component division, “With our study on plastic suspension struts, we want to show above all how much potential there still is in terms of lightweight chassis.” He added, “Despite the tremendous weight savings, the design is realistic and, as feasibility and cost analyses have shown, it could easily be transferred to volume production.”