The future of FWD performance REVO-Knuckle

[biker16]

http://www.not2fast.com/chassis/revoKnuckle.pdf


this is the real deal finally a solution to Torque steer. And a ford patent.

"The new Ford Focus RS is equipped with an innovative front suspension system known as a ‘RevoKnuckle’, which is designed to reduce unwanted steering disturbance and torque steer, the impact of torque on steering in front-wheel driven vehicles. Torque steer occurs during hard acceleration, cornering or driving on uneven surfaces, when torque on the driven wheels exceeds grips levels. It is characterised by sudden turning force on the steering wheel and can be exacerbated by vehicles with wide tyres and limited-slip differentials.

In Focus RS, the RevoKnuckle works in conjunction with a Quaife Automatic Torque Biasing limited-slip differential. Ford Team RS engineers have worked closely with Ford's Advanced Research Centre in Aachen, Germany to develop the RevoKnuckle technology specifically for the high performance Focus RS. It allows the simplicity of a traditional McPherson strut arrangement, but with geometry settings that minimize steering disturbances and torque steer, principally a reduction in steering offset."








innovation

[ProjectSedan]

where can i get this? and is it going to work with the SVT brakes?

[sleeperlove]

Originally Posted by ProjectSedan

where can i get this? and is it going to work with the SVT brakes?

Lol, No chance.

Looks like this will be something for the new RS.

[brads03zx3]

RS brakes>>SVT brakes

[MichaelXi]

It says that it was designed for use with a specific Quaife LSD. I wonder if that's Necessary, or just happens to be there for the "Normal/Obvious" reasons?
It looks like you'd also have to have new Control Arms.
Beyond that, I don't know enough about the new Euro Focus to know how Otherwise Interchangeable parts are with the previous gen.

[Nliiitend1]

More importantly (to me), will there be a way to fit this onto my C1 chassis-sharing MS3??

That's a really neat design that looks to improve upon the inherent limitations of a MacPherson design, though it adds enough parts/engineering to mix that it might take away from some of the advantages to said design as well...

Nevertheless, I think it's pretty damn cool!

[MichaelXi]

I Also wonder if the entire thing goes to heck if you change the ride-height.

[twoquickcapri]

The spindle/knuckle setup reminds me of a solid front axle setup off a truck

.

[sleeperlove]

Originally Posted by MichaelXi

I Also wonder if the entire thing goes to heck if you change the ride-height.

Yea I am interested to see what the camber curve is like. As well as what is does when lowered and what kind of alignment stuff you can do with it.

[OmniFocus]

The camber, caster, and toe curves are all in the document at the top of the first post.

The only real dramatic change from a motion geometry standpoint is that there is no longer a caster curve. The upper strut mount motion changes from three axis to a single axis, though they don't mention that benefit.

I'm personally thrilled and can't wait for a chance to sample the technology. I do wonder how the drastic change in SAI will alter the "feel".

[Reza]

I still rather have the DOUBLE WISHBONE suspension.

[OmniFocus]

Originally Posted by Reza

I still rather have the DOUBLE WISHBONE suspension.

Absolutely! Unfortunately there is a huge cost and packaging benefit to using a MacP setup... even Honda finally caved to that.

I suspect part of the reason we end up in these situations is because while the Focus RS is an expensive high-end Focus... it is still based on the base model 1.4L cheap car... and it wouldn't be feasable to convert the inexpensive strut platform to double-wishbone for the high-end car.

In the end, the enthusiast always gets screwed by the mainstream.

That said, I'm really excited about the potential of the RevoKnuckle... for what it is.

[brads03zx3]

sleeperlove, camber curve will be just like a typical MacStrut suspension. It will have the same drawbacks to ride height changes. Alignment stuff will be the same, except for caster as Omni mentioned.

The effect on torque steer mainly comes from the smaller 'king pin offset' which is the distance between the steering axis and the wheel center...effectively the moment arm. As we all know, torque=(force)(distance) and in the RS and other high engine torque applications, force has been increased so the distance (KPO) must be decreased to have the same effect.

Omni's information also helps me visualize the setup, so thanks. As far as the 'feel' of the design, I fear it will be quite numb to a driver from the factory. It will pretty much require some more scrub radius. I'm still trying to figure out how to easily and effectively add caster for more camber gain and steering feel with steering input. I would probably have to modify the sleeve joint.