Rear Suspension

The rear suspension utilizes coil springs over struts, and lightweight aluminum knuckles. Each wheel is mounted to a tri-link independent suspension system. The three links are identified as the inverted "U" channel trailing arm and the stamped front and rear lateral links.

Parallel links allow the rear wheels to deflect rearward when they hit a road hazard, but without moving the toe positive. An advantage of this suspension system is the reduction of unsprung and overall weight. Handling is improved with the independent action of each rear wheel. The links control lateral wheel deflection.

Several techniques have been employed to achieve this independent wheel movement. The tri-link design can be compared to a right angle. The wheel is located at the right angle formed by the lateral links and the trailing arm. The ends of the tri-links are "hinged" to provide vertical wheel travel. The solid links force the wheel to travel through a controlled arc with fore-aft position determined by the trailing arm and lateral position determined by the lateral links.