Torsion beam suspension
 | It has been suggested that this article be merged into Twist-beam rear suspension. (Discuss) Proposed since January 2014. |
A torsion beam suspension is a vehicle suspension similar to a trailing arm suspension but where both trailing arms are connected by a beam. It is also known as Twist-beam rear suspension.
In contrast to a torsion bar suspension, the main weight bearing springs are usually coil springs, either mounted over the shock absorbers or independently from them. Obviating anti-roll bars, the central torsion beam allows for a limited degree of freedom of each wheel when forced.
This semi-independent suspension has been used for decades by the great majority of compact European and Japanese front wheel drive cars up to Golf-size. It is cheap to design and manufacture, compact with little boot space intrusion, and although ride and handling are theoretically inferior to more sophisticated designs, it has been used even in the sportier Volkswagen Golf GTI.