what is magnetic ride

[Alain]

what's this magnetic drive that the new ZL has? never heard of it

[mpate16]

Some type of magnetic fluid stiffens up the suspension on demand.... So it has touring for daily driving and stiffer suspension for track/racing.

The corvette has it

[radz28]

Magnetic Ride is a system where there are what are essentially metal particles suspended in the shock fluid. An electrical charge, controlled probably by the body control module, changes the effective viscocity and thickness of the fluid in order to control the piston better. You can have a more supple, street-friendly ride, or an aggressive, performance ride.

That's a real quick rundown.

[radz28]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetorheological_damper

"A magnetorheological damper or magnetorheological shock absorber is a damper filled with magnetorheological fluid, which is controlled by a magnetic field, usually using an electromagnet.[1][2][3] This allows the damping characteristics of the shock absorber to be continuously controlled by varying the power of the electromagnet. This type of shock absorber has several applications, most notably in semi-active vehicle suspensions which may adapt to road conditions, as they are monitored through sensors in the vehicle, and in prosthetic limbs...

These types of systems are available from OEMs for several vehicles, including the Acura MDX, Audi TT and R8, Buick Lucerne, Cadillac CTS-V, DTS, XLR, SRX, STS, Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari 599GTB, 458 Italia and Holden HSV Commodore.[2] These systems were produced by the Delphi Corporation and now by BWI Group under the proprietary name MagneRide.[5]

MillenWorks has also included them in several military vehicles including the MillenWorks Light Utility Vehicle, and in retrofits to the US Army Stryker and HMMWV for testing by TARDEC..."

[Russell James]

Delphi invented it a few years ago. The fluid has iron/magnetic particles that align differently as current is applied. The shocks can instantly change from very soft to firm in micro seconds, as commanded by the computer reacting to road conditions and which position the driver has selected - touring or sport. Awesome suspension, only downside is you don't want to see one leak after your warranty expires.

[DLB]

Its Simply Awesome! Go test drive a car with it! It will put a big smile on your face

[radz28]

Originally Posted by Russell James

Delphi invented it a few years ago. The fluid has iron/magnetic particles that align differently as current is applied. The shocks can instantly change from very soft to firm in micro seconds, as commanded by the computer reacting to road conditions and which position the driver has selected - touring or sport. Awesome suspension, only downside is you don't want to see one leak after your warranty expires.

I've read these aren't too terribly priced to replace. That's relative, though...

[Alain]

oh, that's a neat option. thanks for enlightening me. i actually had a 08 corvette for 3 days last year and i don't remember really playing with the suspension setting on it.

wish i would have known this then, would have payed more attention to it.

thanks again.

[radz28]

Originally Posted by Alain

oh, that's a neat option. thanks for enlightening me. i actually had a 08 corvette for 3 days last year and i don't remember really playing with the suspension setting on it.

wish i would have known this then, would have payed more attention to it.

thanks again.

It should really be an improvement on the chassis and make it quite a good driving car.

[DGthe3]

and its magnetic ride, not drive (changed thread title, for future searches)

[miSSouri_5]

I just watched an episode of Nova 'Making Stuff Smarter', this technology was explained and demonstrated on a military Humvee. Very slick and amazing to be offered on new camaro.