How does variable suspension work?

Variable suspension, also known as adaptive suspension, is a technology that allows a vehicle's suspension system to automatically adjust its characteristics based on driving conditions and driver inputs. This dynamic adjustment helps improve the vehicle's handling, comfort, and overall performance.

Understanding Variable Suspension

Conventional suspension systems use a fixed set of springs and dampers to provide a balance between ride comfort and handling. In contrast, variable suspension systems employ sensors and electronic controls to continuously monitor and adjust the suspension components, such as the shock absorbers and springs, to adapt to the current driving situation.

Key Components of Variable Suspension

• Sensors: Variable suspension systems use a variety of sensors, including accelerometers, wheel position sensors, and steering angle sensors, to gather data about the vehicle's motion and the road conditions.


• Electronic Control Unit (ECU): The ECU processes the sensor data and determines the optimal suspension settings based on predefined algorithms and driving modes.


• Adjustable Suspension Components: The suspension components, such as the shock absorbers and air springs, are equipped with actuators that can adjust their characteristics in real-time based on the ECU's commands.

By continuously monitoring and adjusting the suspension, variable suspension systems can provide a more comfortable ride on smooth roads, while also enhancing handling and stability during cornering, braking, and acceleration.

How Variable Suspension Works

When the vehicle is in motion, the sensors continuously gather data about the vehicle's movements and the road conditions. This information is sent to the ECU, which then analyzes the data and determines the appropriate suspension settings to optimize the vehicle's performance.

For example, when the vehicle encounters a rough road surface, the sensors detect the increased vibrations and the ECU adjusts the suspension components to provide a smoother ride by softening the damping and increasing the spring travel. Conversely, when the vehicle is cornering at high speeds, the ECU stiffens the suspension to reduce body roll and improve handling.

The adjustments made by the variable suspension system are typically seamless and happen in a matter of milliseconds, allowing the vehicle to adapt to changing conditions without the driver's intervention.

Benefits of Variable Suspension

The key benefits of variable suspension include:

• Improved Ride Comfort: The adaptive nature of variable suspension helps to absorb road imperfections and provide a smoother, more comfortable ride for the occupants.


• Enhanced Handling and Stability: By adjusting the suspension settings, variable suspension systems can improve the vehicle's cornering ability, braking performance, and overall stability, especially at higher speeds.


• Increased Efficiency: Variable suspension can help improve fuel efficiency by reducing the energy lost through suspension movements, particularly on smooth roads.


• Customizable Driving Experience: Many variable suspension systems offer selectable driving modes, allowing the driver to choose a setup that best suits their preferences and the driving conditions.

Overall, variable suspension technology is a significant advancement in automotive engineering, providing drivers with a more responsive and adaptable suspension system that can enhance both the comfort and performance of their vehicles.

What is variable suspension?

Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) only comes on the Touring model. This is a new suspension system that provides real-time damping across all 4 absorbers to provide maximum ride handling and comfort depending on road conditions and drive style.

What are the pros and cons of adjustable suspension?

Pros: Adjustable suspensions are often preferred in high-performance cars for their ability to fine-tune handling characteristics and adapt to different track conditions. Cons: These systems can increase the cost and maintenance requirements of a vehicle.

What are the disadvantages of adaptive suspension?

Adaptive Suspension Cons:
Less customization in ride height. May not offer the same level of ride comfort as air suspension.

How does adjustable suspension work?

Adjustable suspension systems work by altering the vehicle's stiffness or ride height using components like airbags, electrically controlled valves, or manually adjusted collars. Air suspension uses an onboard compressor to increase or decrease the air pressure in airbags to change ride height and stiffness. Electronically controlled systems use sensors and a control module to adjust the stiffness of shocks and struts in real-time for comfort or performance. Manual systems often use a collar or knob to compress or decompress a spring, changing the ride height, or adjust the oil flow in a shock absorber to change damping.
 
This video explains how to adjust the ride height on coilovers: 59sAndysAutoSportTVYouTube · Aug 21, 2013
Types of adjustable suspension
Air suspension

• This system replaces traditional springs with airbags. 
• An onboard compressor pumps air into the bags to raise the vehicle, and releasing air lowers it. 
• More air generally results in a higher ride height and a softer ride. 

You can watch this video to learn how adjustable coilover shocks work: 1mFlatout SuspensionYouTube · Oct 6, 2021
Electronically controlled suspension 

• This system uses a control module and sensors to continuously monitor driving conditions, such as speed, steering angle, and body movement. 
• It can adjust the stiffness of the shocks or struts in milliseconds by controlling electronic valves or using other mechanisms. 
• This allows for a dynamic balance between ride comfort and performance. 

This video explains how two-way shocks work: 52sOdi Bakchis by Feal Suspension YouTube · Apr 3, 2020
Manually adjustable suspension 

• These systems require a driver to make adjustments, either by turning a knob or adjusting a collar.
• Coilover systems: use adjustable collars on the strut to change the ride height by preloading the spring.
• Shock absorbers: can have a bypass port that can be adjusted to control the flow of oil, which alters the damping force (stiffness). 

How it works for different goals

• Raising the vehicle: Some air suspension systems and coilovers can significantly increase ground clearance for off-road use. 
• Lowering the vehicle: Electronically controlled systems can lower a car at high speeds for better aerodynamics, while manual coilovers can be adjusted to a lower ride height for performance or style. 
• Improving comfort: Systems can soften the ride by using air suspension or a comfort setting on electronically controlled systems. 
• Improving performance: Systems can stiffen the ride to reduce body roll during cornering, which can be achieved through electronically controlled systems or manual adjustments.