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Ferrari Cars ›› Ferrari 456M GT & GTA ›› Suspension
Ferrari 456M GT & GTA Suspension
Like all Ferrari's, the 456M takes advantage of modern four wheel-independent suspension technology for optimal comfort and road-holding. The advanced geometry features cross quads and triangle arms, aluminum gas-operated shock absorbers with helical coaxial springs, and anti-roll bars front and rear. Shock absorber calibration control is electronic, and combines with a self-leveling rear suspension to maintain constant ground clearance under various loads.
The key improvements to driving precision, comfort, and especially more efficient damping on uneven roads in the 456M over previous models, come from new anti-dive front-suspension geometry, shock absorbers with special low-speed control, and front shock absorbers with a reduced coefficient of friction.
The suspension is electronically controlled by the driver through the use of a "Normal" and "Sport" switch which interacts with ASR. Depending on steering angle, speed, longitudinal and vertical acceleration, throttle opening, and brake circuit pressure, the system can control rolling during acceleration and braking transitions. An ECU manages the calibration variation of each shock absorber via four motors.
Brakes:
The 456M braking system has been designed to offer deceleration commensurate with the car's other performance capabilities. The addition of a pneumatic brake booster has improved the 456M's system, especially at high speeds. The ultra-lightweight system includes four ventilated discs with aluminum calipers and 4-channel ABS, integrated with ASR and EBD (rear electronic braking corrector).
ASR:
To improve performance and control even in extreme situations, the 456M has an ASR system fitted for dynamic stability control. The system optimizes the traction of the drive wheels, detecting possible skidding, through the combined action of the ABS and the engine control system. The driver can choose three levels of ASR through a dashboard switch - Normal, Sport (integrated with suspension control) and Off - ensuring almost complete control of the car's lateral and longitudinal dynamic and offering excellent safety.
Steering:
The 456M's rack and pinion steering, is equipped with a Servotronic, condition-aware, speed-sensitive power-steering device and retuned software, for more precise driving. The same steering force is required whether in a parking lot, on the highway, or on the track.
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