The Chassis Gets Feet

Written By Kyle Lehman

Modern Suspension Geometry, Classic GT40 Proportions

At the heart of the Carbon 40R is a purpose-built space-frame chassis designed to honor the original GT40 while integrating modern suspension geometry and materials. Rather than chasing trends or over-complicating the design, the Carbon 40R chassis focuses on balance, predictability, and real-world drivability—without compromising the timeless GT40 proportions.

Why C5 Suspension Geometry

The Carbon 40R chassis is engineered around C5 Corvette suspension components, chosen for convenience AND for geometry. The C5 platform offers a proven, well-documented suspension layout with excellent kinematics and parts availability, making it an ideal foundation for a modern interpretation of a classic car.

By basing the suspension pickup points around C5 geometry, the Carbon 40R achieves:

  • Near-zero scrub radius for stable steering feedback

  • Predictable camber gain through suspension travel

  • Strong braking stability without artificial geometry tricks

  • A wide aftermarket for tuning and serviceability

This approach ensures modern performance without sacrificing simplicity or feel.

Preserving the Original GT40 Wheelbase

A key design goal of the Carbon 40R was maintaining the original GT40 wheelbase. Altering wheelbase can easily compromise the proportions and handling character that define the car. The chassis was therefore designed around the original dimensions first, with suspension packaging adapted to fit within those constraints—not the other way around.

This decision preserves:

  • Authentic GT40 stance and proportions

  • Correct weight distribution characteristics

  • Visual accuracy when paired with the Carbon 40R body

No Anti-Dive — By Design

Unlike many modern chassis designs, the Carbon 40R intentionally avoids anti-dive geometry. While anti-dive can reduce nose compression under braking, it often introduces harshness, reduced compliance, and unpredictable behavior on real roads.

Instead, the Carbon 40R relies on:

  • Proper spring and damper tuning

  • Balanced weight transfer

  • Clean suspension motion without bind

The result is a chassis that feels natural, compliant, and confidence-inspiring—especially during braking and turn-in.

Space-Frame Construction

The Carbon 40R chassis is a steel space-frame, initially prototyped in wood to validate geometry, packaging, and proportions before transitioning into CAD and structural analysis. This hands-on approach allowed rapid iteration while maintaining precise control over suspension pickup points and load paths.

The final chassis design is:

  • Optimized for torsional rigidity

  • Designed for carbon fiber and fiberglass body mounting

  • Compatible with modern drivetrains, including the Ford Coyote

  • Analyzed using FEA to verify strength and stiffness under load

A Balanced, Purpose-Built Platform

The Carbon 40R chassis is not about chasing lap times or marketing buzzwords. It’s about engineering a platform that delivers:

  • Authentic GT40 feel

  • Modern reliability and serviceability

  • Predictable handling and feedback

  • A clean foundation for a handcrafted, limited-run car

Every tube, pickup point, and design choice reflects that philosophy.

Kyle Lehman
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Chassis Design