Carbon Fibre Damper From ZF For Small Cars

ZF Carbon Fibre Macpherson Suspension Strut

Automotive parts giant ZF have come up with concept of a Carbon Fiber Strut. The strut has been designed for small cars weighing less than 2,000 pounds. The concept may feature in the upcoming BMW MegaCity vehicle which will largely be made up of carbon-fiber.

The dampers weighs 50% less than an aluminium damper which accounts to 9 pounds a wheel, thereby reducing the unsprung mass and resulting in increased fuel efficiency. It is made up of carbon-fiber piston rod and wheel carrier. A fiberglass spring and plastic top mounting plate has been used. Underneath all the lightweight materials, there is a damper tube made from steel, which helps in providing a durable wear surface.

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.”

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