ZF Sachs Becomes “Official Supplier” to BMW Sauber Formula 1 Team

[davewilson]

SCHWEINFURT, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ZF Sachs was named an “official supplier” to the BMW Sauber F1 Team, providing the rotational damping technology – developed by its motor sports subsidiary ZF Sachs Race Engineering – for the rear suspension, along with front shocks.

ZF and BMW have a long-time working relationship with regard to passenger cars, and ZF has supported the Formula BMW series for several years. During 2006, the BMW Sauber F1 team also used the rotational damper.

The rotational damping technology works as dampers and rockers for the push rods at the same time. Instead of three conventional dampers in the rear suspension, two rotational dampers integrated in the rocker now handle the bulk of the work, replacing two of the conventional dampers. The pivoted rocker is a type of “triangular lever arm” that diverts jounce and rebound motion from the wheel to the spring, anti-roll bar and – in previous systems – to the conventional dampers.

Rotational dampers offer a host of benefits: first and foremost, they save space, as the damper and rocker are combined into a single unit. This allows a more compact gearbox design, improving aerodynamic efficiency. The rotational dampers are also lighter, saving approximately 50-70 grams. Like the conventional system, the new solution operates with non-adjustable dampers during Grand Prix weekends. If the engineers need to change the set-up, the complete rotational damper is exchanged for another with different characteristics. In addition, the overall friction within the system is reduced, improving response characteristics and handling.

ZF is a leading international supplier of driveline and chassis technology headquartered in Friedrichshafen, Germany, employing approximately 55,400 at 122 locations in 26 countries. To continue supplying innovative products, ZF annually invests 5 percent of worldwide sales, (sales: approx. $15.3 billion in 2006) into research and development.

ZF operates an extensive manufacturing network in North America, combined with global research and development capabilities, to provide advanced technology to the NAFTA region. The ZF Group North American Operations Headquarters and Technical Center is located in Northville, Mich., USA.

The Stig