Chassis Overview; Macpherson Strut Front; Torque Vectoring Control - Ford Focus 2012 Owner's Manual

2012
Chassis Overview
• The 2012 Focus chassis is all new
• Key 2012 developments include Torque Vectoring
Control, improved steering feel and response, improved
ride and handling characteristics and improved NVH
(Noise, Vibration and Harshness) characteristics
• Reduced suspension component weight, compared
to previous model
• Rigid suspension mounting points help deliver
precise response to steering inputs
• Overall chassis stiffness allowed engineers to tune
the European-inspired suspension for exceptional
ride and handling characteristics
Front-wheel Drive (FWD) Powertrain Layout
• Weight of engine on front end provides good traction
in slippery road conditions
• Allows for a roomy interior package, especially
rear-seat leg and foot room
Torque Vectoring Control
• New feature to Focus for 2012
• Helps increase the "fun-to-drive" factor
• Uses the vehicle braking system to deliver the effect of
a limited-slip front differential without the complexity
and additional weight
• Continually balances the distribution of engine
torque to the front wheels based on driving
conditions and available traction
• In cornering situations, the system automatically
applies the brake on the inside front wheel,
effectively delivering more torque to the front
outside wheel
– The outside front wheel has more available
traction than the inside front wheel
– Balancing the torque delivery helps the vehicle
track on the path intended by the driver, especially
on wet or slippery surfaces
– Helps reduce torque steer during acceleration
14
Focus
Performance/Handling
Chassis
esourcebook.dealerconnection.com
RE&T: 2012 Source Book
European-inspired Independent MacPherson
Strut Front Suspension
2012 Enhancements
• Lightweight forged aluminum lower control arms
• Hollow front stabilizer bar is lightweight
• Track is 2.6" wider than previous model
• Front stabilizer bar mounting helps improve chassis
stiffness and control
• Suspension bushings help improve NVH performance
while maintaining excellent ride and handling
characteristics
Key Features
• MacPherson strut design with a rearward-facing
L-arm gives the maximum amount of room in front
of the suspension to help improve crash performance
• Friction-reducing geometry helps engineers precisely
tune the struts for remarkable ride and handling
• Suspension bushings are tuned independently for
responsive steering and a smooth ride
• Use of hydrobushings in critical locations helps
isolate the body from the suspension
• A large bushing at the top of each MacPherson strut
mount helps resist vertical movements from uneven
road surfaces and also resists side deflection to keep
a crisp steering feel
• Coil-over-shock design centers the shock absorber
in the coil spring, reducing the offset between the
shock and spring, which limits twisting or lateral
forces that could bind the shock and cause a
harsher ride
• A hydrobushing rear of the lower control arm uses
oil-filled internal chambers to dampen road forces
before they reach the passenger compartment
• 23.5mm stabilizer bar helps reduce body roll
during cornering
May 2011