Quote:
| Originally Posted by iroc-z89 Why does it still retain the leaf springs if it is independent? |
It takes the place of coil springs, of which the Vette ( C4 on up ) has none. They are compact and also provide a measure of roll resistance. A single (mono) leaf is lighter than two conventional coil springs and they don't wear out. The suspension itself is fully independant in every sense, and behaves just as it would with conventional coils. So it's hardly a pickup truck suspension by any stretch. Here is a pic of the C4 rear layout, showing the black mono leaf spring. It's worth noting that since the suspension is a more conventional independant setup in every other way, the Vette is capable of being retrofitted with coils as far as I know.
The Mustang retains a rigid axle mostly to keep costs down, being that it's mission is that of a bread and butter sports coupe, and partly out of the fact that some buyers actually like it.
American style muscle cars were almost always "all motor" or at least had sizable engines, and were never blown from the factory. A hallmark of an Asian muscle car though, if any - would most certainly be turbos.