As one of the world’s leading automotive suppliers, ZF is involved in motorsports. ZF Race Engineering develops designs, builds, and markets shock absorbers and clutches especially for racing and high-performance series-production automobiles.
Today the Volkswagen Polo R Cup racing cars are being equipped with ZF Shock Absorbers. ZF is also the official sponsor of Volkswagen Polo R Cup 2013 and is keen on further taking the technology ahead to promote the sport in India which is in the developing stages.
ZF’s association with Volkswagen Polo R Cup India started with the debut series. Since then all the racings cars have been equipped with the ZF Shock Absorbers, specially designed by the ZF Race Engineering team. ZF is one of Germany’s most innovative companies, investing in the future by creating new products for the motorsport industry – with its in-house research and development resources.
In all product areas, the development goals of ZF Race Engineering are to:
? Reduce dimension
? Reduce weight
? Enhance performance
Since the company’s existence, components, dampers and clutches have been used in series production as well as in motorsports. Both areas were and still are inseparably interconnected. Just like the success.
Starting with the renowned silver arrow, and continuing today with Formula 1, for long distance and circuit racing events. Worldwide motorsports teams rely on racing shock absorbers and clutches from ZF Race Engineering. From Formula 1 to the Rally Dakar and amateur racing series teams are successful with ZF’s cutting edge technology.
Through its initiative with Volkswagen Polo R Cup, ZF is further contributing towards the development of motorsports sector in India.
Dr. Stefan Sommer, CEO of ZF Friedrichshafen AG, says, “The connection between ZF and Volkswagen Motorsports in India is an extension of the global association between these two partners. With the partnership we are able to point out our prominent competencies as a development partner and technology leader in motorsports. We furthermore aim to contribute to the further evolution of motorsports in India using the experience and expertise we have gained throughout the world, especially in Europe.”
Key features of the technology used in the cars for the Volkswagen Polo R Cup 2013:
- Monotube gas pressure technology (standard in high-performance sports suspensions), ensures precise handling
- One way adjustable dampers with 18 clicks; adjustment varies overall damping ratio in both bump & rebound curves.
- Availability of Vehicle ride height adjustment presents wide range of vehicle setup options
- Precise and repeatable vehicle setups available within the broad adjustment range
- Enhanced vehicle responsiveness and grip during high speed driving.
- High-quality surface finishing for long-lasting corrosion resistance even when used in the most demanding of conditions
Speaking about the technology and his experience Rahil Noorani, professional motorsport driver who is currently second in the standings of the Volkswagen Polo R Cup 2013 said, “Suspension is one the most crucial elements of a car and becomes even more important when it comes to performance driving. In Cup Racing, the suspension plays a major role in the handling of the vehicle and is responsible for tackling high speed corners. The ZF shock absorbers in the Polo R Cup racecar have been giving a fantastic feedback with technology that has taken racing experience to a new level. This has helped me in improving my performance race after race.”
