2002 Supplier Technology

As automakers increase outsourcing, suppliers are taking on more responsibility for developing increasingly complex systems and components. This special edition of Tech Briefs highlights some of the many supplier contributions to 2002 passenger cars.

The 2002 Cadillac Seville STS will trade in its continuously variable road-sensing suspension (CVRSS) struts in midyear 2002 for Delphi Automotive Systems' next-generation variable damping system, MagneRide, which provides controlled, independent damping at all four corners of the vehicle. “(It) is an evolutionary, not revolutionary, technology,” said Fred Wood, Development Engineer for the Seville, noting that not much has changed from the current suspension system other than the damper. Even so, MagneRide reacts at least five times faster than the current damper, said Wood, and will enable improved handling, ride quality, and road isolation as well as safety.

As opposed to valve-based systems, the MagneRide semi-active suspension system has a monotube design with no electromechanical valves or small moving parts for quieter operation-an industry first, according to the Troy, Ml-based supplier. MagneRide consists of magneto-rheological (MR) fluid-based monotube struts and shock absorbers; a sensor set that consists of a relative position sensor between each control arm and the body as well as a lateral accelerometer and a steering-wheel angle sensor, which are also part of the Stabilitrak system (a yaw rate sensor is used indirectly by the MagneRide system in active-brake-apply events); an onboard controller; and an optional leveling compressor module, which has underbody or engine-compartment packaging capabilities and integrates with the existing sensors and controller.