In this paper a new modeling and an optimal pole-placement control for the suspension system of Macpherson type are investigated. The rotational motion of the unsprung mass is emphasized in the new modeling. The two generalized coordinates selected in the new model are the vortical displacement of sprung mass and the angular displacement of control arm. Both variables are measured from their static equilibrium points. It is shown that the conventional model is a special case of the new model since the transfer function of the new model coincides with that of the conventional one if the lower support point of the shock absorber is located at the mass center of the unsprung mass. It is also shown that the resonance frequencies of the new model agree better with experimental results. Therefore, the new model is more general in the sense that it Provides an extra degree of freedom in determining the plant model for control system design. An optimal pole-placement control which combines LQ control and pole-placement technique is applied to the new model. Simulations are provided.