Roll-center characteristics are determined by the heights of the inner and outer suspension pick-up points, the track width, and the tire intersection point with the ground. The common illustration is that the front and rear roll centers generate a longitudinal roll axis about which the car rolls. If constructing such a 2D geometry plot on a drawing board, it can be seen that the roll centers move vertically and laterally as the body heaves and rolls; movements that may be unavoidable, especially on compromised road-car systems. On a more fundamental level, it is forces that drive the vehicle system, and what the roll centers do is influence the way forces are transmitted from the tire to the vehicle sprung mass.
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