Rear

The rear axle member is of cast aluminum and supported on rubber mounts in the body. It consists of two sections, an upper section (1a) and a lower section (1b). The differential is (6) clamped between the two sections by rubber elements. The transverse composite material spring (2) gives a low overall weight and ensures compact dimensions. It also reduces road noise. The spring is mounted in the lower rear axle member with rubber elements (13) vulcanized to their caps (14). The outer ends of the spring rest on rubber elements (15) in the lower links (4). The spring is available in three variants with different spring constants depending on whether the car is a 4-door or 5-door model, or is equipped with self-levelling. The drive shafts (7) are a single unit attached to the differential gears by snap rings. Drive shaft type is dependent on the engine variant, a lighter type for cars with the 2,5 liter engine and a heavier version for the 3 liter engine. The differential (6) has a nodular cast iron housing which has a low noise level. The differential has a final drive ratio of either 3.73:1, 4.1:1 or 3.91:1, depending on the engine and transmission installed. The anti-roll bar is available in 3 different diameters. All cars with self-levelling have a 21 mm anti-roll bar, 4-door cars without self-levelling have an 18 mm bar. Station wagon models without self-levelling have a 16 mm bar. The anti-roll bar supports and bushings are vulcanized and form one unit and cannot be replaced separately.