Cadillac CT6 Debuts Polyamide Chassis 'First'

November 2, 2015

Ryan Gehm

In collaboration with General Motors, ContiTech Vibration Control has developed a strut mount for the new 2016 Cadillac CT6 in which fiberglass-reinforced BASF Ultramid polyamide is used as the primary structural component, reducing weight by 25% compared to a traditional aluminum design. The supplier claims it is the first strut mount for passenger-car chassis made of this material, which is used in both the front and rear axle, employing different versions for each. The new two-section, three-path bearing from ContiTech comprises both fiberglass-reinforced polyamide and aluminum components. The new design can withstand shock loading as high as 75 kN (16,860 lbf), the equivalent to driving a car along a badly potholed road. The strut mount, which is the interface between the spring strut and body working to provide optimum tire contact to the road, also ensures that only minimal counter-torque acts on the shock absorber. A highly insulating rubber element enhances ride comfort. “Key to success was the early integration of our customer in the development process, which meant that we were involved in system design right from the outset,” said Stefan Wohler, a developer at ContiTech Vibration Control.