Autothane® spring-aids
for the new MINI
The
MINI is in production again – this time with ‘Autothane’®!
42
years and 5.3 million vehicles since the Issigonis design was
launched in 1959, the new MINI features ‘Autothane’ microcellular
spring aids on both its front and rear suspension units.
Much
has been done to the design and specifications of the MINI to bring
it into the 21st century whilst retaining both its ‘look’ and ‘wheel-at-each-corner’ originality.
The
original Mini was respected for its go-kart type road-holding ability,
but it could also become ‘bouncy’ even on good road surfaces. MacPherson
struts are fitted to the new MINI front suspension, and a multiple-link
BMW suspension system, based on the Z-axle, is fitted to the rear.
‘Autothane’ high
performance microcellular polyurethane spring aids are integral
to both the front and rear suspension units, which give the MINI
the shock and vibration management necessary, to improve normal ride
and handling whilst retaining its superb road-holding ability.
BMW
engineers in Munich worked with Autothane Limited in Wrexham, to
design and formulate spring aids to the high specifications demanded.
Much design, research and testing was carried out to obtain the excellent
load deflection characteristics, extended fatigue life under dynamic
deformation, and high tensile strength and abrasion resistance, offered
uniquely with ‘Autothane’ microcellular polyurethane.
Ref:
22-1372 December 2001
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