z06 suspension porn

[punjabiplaya]

http://blogs.insideline.com/straigh...rolet-corvette-z06-suspension-walkaround.html

But this is no ordinary Z06. This particular Z06 is equipped with the so-called Z07 option, otherwise known as the Z06 Ultimate Performance Package. Apparently, this setup makes the car a full Z0 better.

I love Inside Line's suspension walkarounds.

The Raptors was pretty interesting too.

 

[CraigRT]

It's a pretty badass car, not going to lie.

I love the look of the new Vettes.... hotness!

 

[exdeath]

Pretty standard stuff, except for the very innovative use of transverse leaf springs.

I know this is just looking at the suspension, but they should have included some shots of the drive train in there while they were under it. Instead of the engine/transmission together up front, the transmission is part of the rear differential to balance weight. Yes, that means there is a "drive shaft" spinning 6k+ RPM.

That's been pretty standard on Corvettes for a while now, but worth mentioning another unique setup that few people know about.

 

[yhelothar]

DO WANT.
I remember in top gear's review of the z06, they slammed it for having a shitty ride on the road which makes it unusable as a GT car. This looks like the <clarkson> sah looh shun?</clarkson>

 

[Howard]

Pretty standard stuff, except for the very innovative use of transverse leaf springs.

I know this is just looking at the suspension, but they should have included some shots of the drive train in there while they were under it. Instead of the engine/transmission together up front, the transmission is part of the rear differential to balance weight. Yes, that means there is a "drive shaft" spinning 6k+ RPM.

That's been pretty standard on Corvettes for a while now, but worth mentioning another unique setup that few people know about.

transaxles aren't that rare

 

[DivideBYZero]

Leaf spring. LOL!



/runs

 

[Vette73]

Looks like the front bearing was made for a axle or uses the same as the rear for cost savings. You can see where the axle goes in on the front.

 

[amdhunter]

:wub:

 

[Howard]

Such a bad casting job, look at the porosity of the iron there.

=\

 

[JulesMaximus]

You sure those lower control arms are aluminum?

 

[exdeath]

You sure those lower control arms are aluminum?

It's hard to tell... they do look stamped, but then they also have that cast texture to them except where it's been machined for the mounting bolts.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Gorgeous. Amazing performance, relative simplicity. Corvette FTW.

 

[Imported]

All that for 9k or so? Niice.

 

[Vic Vega]

Leaf spring. LOL!



/runs

Look, a Clarkson zealot.

 

[KentState]

transaxles aren't that rare

I would say that they are very rare. Only exotics and a couple common cars like the GT-R and Corvette use one. There are probably not a single other high $40k car that offers one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transaxle

 

[Vette73]

I would say that they are very rare. Only exotics and a couple common cars like the GT-R and Corvette use one. There are probably not a single other high $40k car that offers one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transaxle

You do know FWD cars come with transaxles right. Its even in your link.

 

[KentState]

You do know FWD cars come with transaxles right. Its even in your link.

I was talking about rear wheel drive cars that use a drive shaft. Hell a FWD car is the same as a rear engine if you look at it that way.

 

[Bignate603]

Leaf spring. LOL!



/runs

Yes, because everyone knows you should put in an expensive design when a cheap, lightweight and effective design works just as well. 🙄

Who cares if a design is "old", what matters is it if works. People do the same thing with the mustang's solid axle. They've gotten great performance out of a less expensive and less complex design, isn't that what you want in a car?

 

[theeedude]

Read in MT that Mustang is going to a global IRS platform for 2014 redesign, so at least that argument will finally be settled once and for all. As far as Corvette leaf springs, I don't see a downside. It's lighter, lower, and simpler. Modern composites and shocks are such that they can get the leverage rates that they want out of this design. I think it's actually something that will see wider use going forward in other cars to save space.

 

[punjabiplaya]

There was a background article about the leaf springs explained by the chief Corvette engineer. He said the same thing: it works, it's cheap, it's reliable, and the packaging is excellent (dimensions)

 

[Bignate603]

There was a background article about the leaf springs explained by the chief Corvette engineer. He said the same thing: it works, it's cheap, it's reliable, and the packaging is excellent (dimensions)

That's the difference between good engineering and technology for technology's sake. The design should be kept as simple as possible and only should have added complexity if design goals can't be met. Any added complexity increases cost and typically decreases reliability. If it doesn't give the end user a benefit that outweighs its cost (upfront or through lower reliability) its something that harms the value of the end product.

 

[punjabiplaya]

That's the difference between good engineering and technology for technology's sake. The design should be kept as simple as possible and only should have added complexity if design goals can't be met. Any added complexity increases cost and typically decreases reliability. If it doesn't give the end user a benefit that outweighs its cost (upfront or through lower reliability) its something that harms the value of the end product.

simple engineering ftw

 

[Bignate603]

simple engineering ftw

See my avatar ^_^

The only thing I think they could have spent some more effort on was the seals. I've seen pristine restored jeeps in museums that still need a drip pan underneath to catch the dripping fluids.

 

[punjabiplaya]

yeah, that's why I posted it

 

[DivideBYZero]

I got two bites!