Barycenter

The lower the center of gravity, the better the vehicle's dynamics. But what exactly is the center of gravity? In physics, it is the point at which the mass of a body is considered to be concentrated, and therefore the force of gravity is concentrated and applied. In a vehicle, a distinction is made between sprung masses (body, engine, seats, etc.) and unsprung masses (tires, rims, suspension, brakes when applied to the wheels, etc.). During the design phase, the structural characteristics and distribution of these masses are carefully studied to achieve the optimal placement of the center of gravity in a static situation. This position crucially influences the car's behavior on the road, as it determines the weight distribution on each of the wheels and thus the grip of individual tires; it affects the extent of load transfers (weight shifts) that affect the sprung masses during driving. Want to know more? Read the manual Safe Driving, available in paperback on Amazon and in both eBook and paperback versions on Lulu