European Car review

interesting that lots of reviewers pick upon the point about the lack of anti-roll bars, but no-one mentions the de-bauched anti-roll bar on the rear suspension - the Z-bar. As I understand it this is to offset squat created by high-speed downforce (at least that's what the Dealer told me!), but why couldn't this be programmed-out via the hydraulics? Its got anti-dive, why not anti-squat? Some tech expert input requried please

6th Element - just noticed that we joined the Forum at the same time, but you've got 567 posts to my measly 39; either I'm a lazy bastard or you need a life!

texas mongrel. You have to post pictures of your MG Midget with 500hp Chevy.....I just can't believe what that would look like.........must be a Beast.........not sure Ron would approve but he may admire your pluck!!!

texas mongrel said:

interesting that lots of reviewers pick upon the point about the lack of anti-roll bars, but no-one mentions the de-bauched anti-roll bar on the rear suspension - the Z-bar. As I understand it this is to offset squat created by high-speed downforce (at least that's what the Dealer told me!), but why couldn't this be programmed-out via the hydraulics? Its got anti-dive, why not anti-squat? Some tech expert input requried please

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i think there was an article around here that pretty much showed how the entire suspension worked. I am not sure if it would answer your question as to why they did not get rid of the z bar but it goes into detail as to why it has it. Might help

Yes the z-bar counteracts upon downforce (i.e. When suspension of both wheels is compressed at the same time). My guess is that this must remain a separate mechanism from the hydraulic system because independent wheel articulation must remain functional even whilst the z bar is activated. For example if you hit a bump on left rear wheel only, the z-bar (also called heave spring) must remain functional, so hydraulics cannot be asked to perform both functions simultaneously. Just a guess.

texas mongrel said:

interesting that lots of reviewers pick upon the point about the lack of anti-roll bars, but no-one mentions the de-bauched anti-roll bar on the rear suspension - the Z-bar. As I understand it this is to offset squat created by high-speed downforce (at least that's what the Dealer told me!), but why couldn't this be programmed-out via the hydraulics? Its got anti-dive, why not anti-squat? Some tech expert input requried please

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texas mongrel said:

6th Element - just noticed that we joined the Forum at the same time, but you've got 567 posts to my measly 39; either I'm a lazy bastard or you need a life!

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Lol, definitely the latter!!

I Love Ford GTs in Guards Blue w/Stripe. Seeing you've also put that combo on your MG, is this a theme in your entire collection?

I originallyspec'dthe MP-4 in Azure Blue with stone grey leather. My wife loves the Volcano Orange however, so guess what color I'm getting........
The only other FGT color I'd consider is the Black stripe delete - they look so sinister

Love the GT colour(and sound) The Midget is barmy ( UK word meaning daft and special at the same time) but very special I guess

roundincircles said:

Love the GT colour(and sound) The Midget is barmy ( UK word meaning daft and special at the same time) but very special I guess

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How 'bout "daft" for us country folk?

6th element said:

Yes the z-bar counteracts upon downforce (i.e. When suspension of both wheels is compressed at the same time). My guess is that this must remain a separate mechanism from the hydraulic system because independent wheel articulation must remain functional even whilst the z bar is activated. For example if you hit a bump on left rear wheel only, the z-bar (also called heave spring) must remain functional, so hydraulics cannot be asked to perform both functions simultaneously. Just a guess.

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Close.
The "z" bar is fitted to the upper control arms at the rear only, not the lower arms like a normal roll bar, therefore not disturbing the damping character and ride control of the shocks and springs. My understanding is, that while the "active" suspension can control pitch when accelerating and braking, to do this while maintaining ride and handling quality, is not really possible. Think about it this way, to maintain pitch under very hard braking the front suspension would have to become very stiff, and same for the rear under acceleration, thus loosing comfort. The Z bar is there to aid in pitch and it is only needed on the rear to compensate for the weight of the engine and transmission. Hope this helps

Mclaren-tech said:

I like the review. That is actually the car that i drove when i was at the MTC for training. My feelings about the car,suspension, handling are very similar. Especially the way the car slides and breaks loose. Funny thing is, its the same car that 5th gear drove, and those guys couldnt slide it, slid out of control and spun it.....i smell a rat at 5th gear....

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Wonder if tiff and plato werent good enough to drive for the mclaren team,just a thought!!!!!!!!

andy c said:

Wonder if tiff and plato werent good enough to drive for the mclaren team,just a thought!!!!!!!!

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My thoughts exactly, maybe they got shown the door at some point.
We dont get the show here in LA, but it sure looks like the top gear track backwards. The car went around there track ok with an "independent" driver...

Mclaren-tech said:

I like the review. That is actually the car that i drove when i was at the MTC for training. My feelings about the car,suspension, handling are very similar. Especially the way the car slides and breaks loose. Funny thing is, its the same car that 5th gear drove, and those guys couldnt slide it, slid out of control and spun it.....i smell a rat at 5th gear....

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All I smell at 5th gear is dirty diapers. With the amount of pissing and crying tiff and Plato did on their twitter pages after the 12C did 1:16 on Top Gear, they filled a whole crate of Pampers for sure.

6th element said:

all i smell at 5th gear is dirty diapers. With the amount of pissing and crying tiff and plato did on their twitter pages after the 12c did 1:16 on top gear, they filled a whole crate of pampers for sure.

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lmao