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Ferrari Cars ›› Ferrari Testarossa ›› Suspension
Ferrari Testarossa Suspension
The front suspension consisted of a coil spring over a Koni shock absorber located by unequal, length dual wishbones at each front wheel. At the rear, dual unequal length steel wishbones located a pair of coil springs over Koni shocks, one fore and one aft of each driveshaft. Front and rear anti-rollbars maintained stability in high speed cornering. The Testarossa's brakes were vented discs a little over a foot in diameter. The hydraulically assisted four piston calipers were controlled by separate circuits front and rear. The parking brake acted on small drums contained within the rear discs. The unassisted steering was by a direct rack and pinion system.
Lighter springs, revised shock absorber valving and changes to the wishbones helped make the 512 TR somewhat more nimble and comfortable than the Testarossa. This is a testament to good design given that the newer car was also more powerful. The 512 TR was given even larger brake discs, not only vented but cross drilled for improved efficiency. The brake calipers complemented the new discs with larger pistons. The brake system proportioning valve was also revised to improve control and reduce pedal effort. Late 512 TRs were equipped with an anti-lock braking system, and the steering column and rack were revised to provide quicker steering.
The Testarossa's one piece cast alloy wheels are dull silver. On early cars, the wheels were secured by large closed nuts, but these soon gave way to five hub bolts. The wheels have five spokes in the shape of a star. The front wheels measure 16"X8" and carry a 225/VR50 tire. The rear wheels measure 16"X10" and carry tires 255/VR50 in size.
To fully exploit its power, the 512 TR was also given new cast alloy wheels. These wheels are thinner spoked versions of the Testarossa's, for improved brake cooling. The five hub bolts remain. These wheels are18"X8" with 235/ZR40 tires at front, and 18"X10.5" with 295/ZR35 tires at the rear. Though the same size as those of the 512 TR, the wheels of the F512M are split rims with curved spokes resembling a propeller.
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