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11/2009
Page 22
in speed, short reaction and gearshift times versus six-speed automatic
transmission providing even greater comfort and driving dynamics all in one.
A further advantage is that only one clutch has to be opened when shifting up
or down, while direct detection of the right gear lane enables the driver to shift
the transmission by more than two gears at a time, again with extremely short
reaction and gearshift times.
The process of shifting down from eighth to second gear when accelerating
spontaneously (kick-down) again comes with a direct gearshift opening up
only one clutch.
Sophisticated suspension technology for enhanced
agility and comfort.
The technically sophisticated suspension on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan
combines very sporting driving qualities with an even higher level of motoring
comfort. The double track control arm front axle made of aluminium allows
clear separation of the wheel guidance and damping functions again in the
interest of motoring comfort. Hardly influenced in the slightest by lateral
forces, the dampers are able to respond particularly sensitively to bumps
or unsmoothness on the road. At the same time the kinematic configuration
of the front axle, with the precisely matched wheel camber, keeps the tyres
smoothly and consistently on the road for optimum grip, ensuring effective
transmission of high lateral forces even without a particularly firm set-up
potentially detrimental to motoring comfort.
Yet a further advantage is that adverse forces on the steering are reduced
to a minimum, the car handling even the most dynamic driving situations with
high lateral acceleration smoothly and with superior comfort.
The newly developed Integral-V rear axle likewise made of aluminium also
offers all the features for enhanced driving dynamics and motoring comfort.
Via the wheel supports, the rear axle subframe, the swinging arm and three
track arms, the rear axle takes up drive and dynamic forces acting on the
suspension with maximum efficiency. Innovative elastokinematic suspension
of the swinging arms, in turn, serves to set off longitudinal forces by direct,
straight spring action to the rear. Forces acting in radial and axial direction
on the swinging arm rubber mounts are thus clearly separated from one
another. And last but not least, the rear axle ensures first-class acoustic
and vibration comfort by effectively separating the suspension from the
road and the drivetrain.