INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION
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• ZF is also working on independent front suspension (IFS) for medium and heavy trucks, using either coil or air suspension, and will display it alongside the 4P concept on a chassis at the IAA Show.
tt cites the advantages of reduced unsprung mass and improved handling and "road friendliness", with the potential to save weight by doing away with the anti-roll bar and, eventually, separate cab suspension.
Not so obviously, IFS can give better crash behaviour (because individual wheel units break away, shedding energy) and improved packaging (the engine can be mounted lower, reducing floor height) as well as a reduced turning circle.
ZF says we will see IFS in niche applications before long, but large-scale production is unlikely for another six or seven years.