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2022 FORD MAVERICK BORROWS SUSPENSION TECH FROM ZIPPY FIESTA ST HOT HATCH

Patented Force Vectoring Springs Save Weight And Keeps The Ride Steady

Ford Fiesta ST Force Vectoring Suspension
Image via Ford

We knew that Ford Motor Company was bound to reach into the parts bin with the new Maverick small pickup truck. It’s based on the C2 platform, after all, which is shared with the popular Ford Bronco Sport, as well as the Escape sold here in America. However, a recent report from Motor Trend details that the 2022 Ford Maverick suspension also borrows some hardware from a delightfully unconventional source: the seventh-generation Ford Fiesta ST.

Unfortunately, this latest iteration of the Fiesta ST isn’t coming to the North American market, so the implementation of what’s called Force Vectoring suspension technology is a unique sampling of some clever Ford Performance hardware, placed into a small hybrid pickup truck.

2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid XLT
Image via Ford.

How Do Force Vectoring Springs Work?

The front and rear suspension on the 2022 Ford Maverick is not as run-of-the-mill as originally perceived. The new small Ford pickup truck features independent MacPherson strut-type suspension with coil springs and twin-tube hydraulic gas-pressurized shocks in the front. In the rear, on the other hand, is where the force vectoring springs come into play alongside an independent twist beam rear suspension with an integrated stabilizer bar. The twist beam rear suspension is different from a standard solid-beam axle in that the axle is able to twist, acting as an anti-roll bar to control the overall motion of the body as a whole. While the twist beam rear suspension in the Ford Maverick provides fantastic anti-roll stiffness, the drawbacks come in the form of less payload and towing capacity as well as lowering general ride quality and handling.

This is where the force vectoring springs help significantly counteract those drawbacks. The non-uniform, non-interchangeable, and directionally-wound springs absorb the lateral cornering forces directly. The springs in the Ford Maverick’s suspension are a great weight savings alternative to the normal stiffness solution, the Watt’s link. They are also compatible with traditional suspension dampers and the twin-tube hydraulic gas-pressurized dampers found in the Ford Maverick.

Ford Maverick EcoBoost
Image via Ford

You Can’t Have Force Vectoring Springs and AWD

Unfortunately, the low-mounted twist beam rear suspension cannot accommodate an AWD system. This is perhaps a major reason for why Ford has not yet offered an AWD hybrid option for the Maverick. The optional AWD system that can only be had with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine comes with traditional coil springs in both the front and rear suspension. It’s a subtle sign that Ford wants its customers to go with the standard hybrid engine setup in the Maverick. And you should, the force vectoring springs will contribute to an all-around more comfortable and connected experience behind the wheel.

2022 Ford Maverick Pickup Truck
Image Via Ford.

Written by Liam White

Student of the car industry. Automotive Media Padawan.

One Comment

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  1. You should get a CVT according to author .
    No thanks Padawan Liam , looks like you still have some training ahead of you. The auto is only way to go and you have to get the ecoboost for that. What almost kills the deal is no manual shifting , only a “L” mode, Too bad.

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