When designing the chassis systems from the overall planned characteristics of the car, it is important to consider all the properties involved simultaneously. Several requirements on a car are contradictory. An important task, before hardware solutions are chosen and fixed, is to identify factors which act in "common" or "opposing" directions. This synthesis can be performed using fairly simple models. Hence it is possible to get an overview leading to the choice of concepts for wheel suspensions, steering and brake systems. In this paper, a method for combining the most important factors which make a car both safe and fun to drive is described for the example of cornering compliance. As a result of the synthesis, the chassis for the new Volvo 850 GLT is described in more detail. Special attention is paid to the Delta-Link rear suspension design, which combines insulation and handling properties.
Samenvatting