It was the Group N/Clubman rally cars I was thinking about. In WRC, there are only a few cars to worry about, so no real concerns over complexity/cost etc.

 

The proposed suspension for the new model Impreza is rumoured to have a multi-link setup at the rear and the conventional struts at the front.

How does multi-link improve a cars handling and will it make the Impreza understeer less?

Cars like the latest Evo and BMWs all seem to incorporate it, as does the Legacy B4.

Any ideas?

Rez

 

I'm not sure the new Impreza will have multi-link rear suspension, as the Impreza is widely used as a rally car throughout the world.

Multi-link rear suspension would be more time consuming to replace on an event if it got damaged. They might just stick to the current set-up ?

 

John,

Surely the rallycar decision would be based on the balance of improvement in handling/grip versus extra complexity for service crew... mitsubishi have been running multilink in their evo rallycars, and they seem to do ok in the WRC.

 

I thought that under WRC rules they could pretty much do what they wanted with the suspension anyway. Mitsubishi make do with it because they run in Group A

Geezer

[This message has been edited by Geezer (edited 02-06-2000).]

 

Hi All,

According to the rumours (which you can choose to believe or not), the new Impreza is based on a shortened version of the new Legacy platform (as was the current car).

All suspension is being carried over, including the 'boomerang arm' multi-link rear axle.

This won't necessarily help reduce understeer, but apparently allows for improved ride comfort and geometry control, which can't be a bad thing .

BTW, doesn't all of the standard suspension componentry get binned on WRC cars anyway?.
Group N competitors might not like the additional complexity though.

Cheers,

Alex

 

FYI, this week's Autocar includes a couple of pics of a disguised new Impreza caught testing at the Nurburgring. Autocar claim the testing will improve the car's suitability for UK roads, which I can't say I entirely agree with but it's nice to know the car has had some time there.

Paul