SUSPENSIONS
FIAT PUNTO TRAINING OUTLINE
Fiat Auto S.p.A.
After Sales Training
8 Suspensions
8.1 Description
The suspensions fitted to the Nuova Punto have been completely re-designed compared with
the previous model.
The main differences with respect to the known models are as follows:
wider wheel tracks and greater tyre dimensions compared with the current Punto (15 to 17
inches wheel rims with 175/65 15” to 205/45 17” tyres, compared with 14 and 15 inches rims
and the 165/70 14” to 185/55 15” tyres of the current Punto).
Front suspension geometry with right-angled triangle lower arms, realized in order to decouple
to a larger extent the effect of the braking loads from the effect of the cornering loads, thus
ensuring optimum balance under any running condition. The new front geometry has also
made it possible to reduce the vehicle steering diameter to values similar to the current model,
despite the use of wider wheels with a higher wheelbase.
Torsional axle rear suspension designed in order to increase both structural rigidity and loaded
suspension flexibility, obtained by optimizing the bushing that connects the rear axle with the
body. The development of the new suspension has also concerned the plugging configuration
in order to improve the dynamic response when cornering.
Great attention has been devoted, during the component design phase, to the comfort
features, by introducing technical solution typical of upper-class vehicles, such as the use of a
dome dowel of the “double” type (“dual-path”) at the front, and the positioning of the vertical
shock-absorber at the rear. These measures have made it possible to reduce to a large extent
the effect of the vibrations generated by the road surface, without affecting the structural
rigidity to the detriment of higher driving accuracy.
The elastic bushing dimensions have been increased to improve the damping of road
roughness and increase the driving comfort.
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Shock-absorbers with 22 mm stems on all versions, to increase the stability limit conditions
when cornering.