how does the low CoG translate...

[pr086]

we all know the car has a very low center of gravity, but how does that translate into things you FEEL while driving? what are some specific characteristics of how the car drives that can be directly linked to it's low CoG?

[Synack]

You'll be sure to feel that deer you just ran over

[russv]

The car handles like a go kart, firmly planted (with nannys on).

[Rayme]

Less body roll, and all the good things that comes with it.

[Draco-REX]

The big benefit from a low CG is less body roll in the corners. Because the car naturally has less roll, it requires less roll stiffness from the suspension. This leads to a better ride and more grip over uneven surfaces (street grip).

To put it more simply, you get less lean and better handling without having a jarring and bouncy suspension.

There are other less tangible benefits also. The lower CG reduces the car's tendency to "whiplash" when making quick course changes, increasing stability and hence safety. It also helps keep the car controllable when the rear breaks away. Better innate handling means less agressive alignments so tires can last longer. And a lower CG can reduce pitch (nose up/down) so braking is improved. So there are a lot of little benefits as well. A lower CG is always a good thing, just like lower weight benefits everything as well.

[SpeedR]

What he said ^

[Cade01]

Originally Posted by Synack

You'll be sure to feel that deer you just ran over

Don't Think You Would Run Over The deer So Much As Under It...

[Synack]

Originally Posted by Cade01

Don't Think You Would Run Over The deer So Much As Under It...

Scoop it if you're lowered

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by Draco-REX

The big benefit from a low CG is less body roll in the corners. Because the car naturally has less roll, it requires less roll stiffness from the suspension. This leads to a better ride and more grip over uneven surfaces (street grip).

To put it more simply, you get less lean and better handling without having a jarring and bouncy suspension.

There are other less tangible benefits also. The lower CG reduces the car's tendency to "whiplash" when making quick course changes, increasing stability and hence safety. It also helps keep the car controllable when the rear breaks away. Better innate handling means less agressive alignments so tires can last longer. And a lower CG can reduce pitch (nose up/down) so braking is improved. So there are a lot of little benefits as well. A lower CG is always a good thing, just like lower weight benefits everything as well.

All the above is true. In addition, CG has a direct effect on lateral weight transfer (and therefore lateral grip).

WT = weight of car x acceleration x CG height / track.

In pretty much every racing sport, you'll see teams try to minimize CG for these reasons. For Formula 1 cars, for example, CG height is engineered to be as low as 10-11".

[Books]

Best way is to experience it... take a moderate turn in an SUV and then do the same in your FR-S. It is less pronounced when comparing with a sedan, but definitely able to tell.