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Dimman - It allows the control arm to be "hollow" and save a little weight by putting the LCA in double shear. I assume that MKIV LCA is solid aluminum or boxed steel. On the BRZ/FR-S, the lip only on the upper side, but I speculate there are two reasons: 1. it's cheaper and easier to manufacture. 2. It strengthens it in compression where the part is weaker and sees more force. In tension the force is equal to the weight of the corner only.
ZDan - Engineering's all about compromises though, whether it's weight, strength, stiffness, cost, etc. but I think that's where structural engineers and motorsport engineers differ. In most forms of engineering a safety factor of 3+ is normal, in civil a SF of 10 is common. In motorsports, that means you're carrying way too much unnecessary weight. It's not unheard of to have a SF of 1.5 or lower, but they have low volume, high quality manufacturing, that are meticulously maintained, and replaced on a schedule.
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