The Power of Active Suspension in Your Next New Car
Published Date: 6th Apr 2023
When it comes to purchasing a new car, it's important to understand the various features and technologies available to you. One such technology that has become increasingly common in modern cars is active suspension. This advanced suspension system uses sensors and computer technology to provide a smoother, more comfortable ride, and can greatly enhance the overall driving experience. For UK Car Buyers, understanding what active suspension is and how it works can help you make informed decisions when choosing your next new car. In this article, we'll explore exactly what active suspension is, how it has evolved over time, and why it's important for customers of UK car discount to consider when purchasing a new car.
The Benefits of Active Suspension:
Improved handling: Active suspension can improve a car's handling by making it more responsive to the driver's inputs. This is because the suspension can be adjusted to provide the optimal amount of grip and traction, regardless of the road conditions.- Increased stability: Active suspension can also increase a car's stability by making it less likely to roll or skid. This is because the suspension can be adjusted to keep the car's body level, even when cornering or braking hard.
- Reduced impact of bumps and potholes: Active suspension can reduce the impact of bumps and potholes on the road by absorbing the impact and preventing it from being transmitted to the car's occupants. This can make for a more comfortable ride, especially on rough roads.
Early development of active suspension:
The concept of active suspension has been around for many years, with early attempts to create the technology dating back to the mid-20th century. One of the earliest examples of active suspension was seen in the Citroën DS in 1955, which used a hydraulic suspension system that adjusted the ride height of the car based on road conditions. This was a major innovation at the time and set the stage for further developments in active suspension technology. In the 1960s, the introduction of hydropneumatic suspension and electro-pneumatic suspension marked significant milestones in the early development of active suspension. These systems used a combination of hydraulic and pneumatic elements to provide adjustable suspension settings for different driving conditions, paving the way for more advanced systems to come.
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Advances in active suspension technology:
During the 1970s and 1980s, active suspension technology made significant strides with the incorporation of computer and sensor systems. Key car manufacturers such as Lotus, Jaguar, and Honda were heavily involved in developing this technology. The use of sensors allowed for more accurate and precise control of the suspension, leading to improved handling and ride quality. One notable example of active suspension technology during this time was the Lotus Esprit Turbo, which featured an active suspension system that used hydraulic actuators to control the suspension settings. In addition to this, the introduction of semi-active suspension systems in the 1980s, such as those found in the Jaguar XJ220, allowed for adjustable suspension settings to cater to different driving conditions, further improving the performance and comfort of the vehicle. These technological advances led to the wider adoption of active suspension in high-end cars, with car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi offering the technology in their models in the following decades.
Commercialization of active suspension:
Active suspension technology became commercially available in the 1990s and 2000s, with car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi offering the technology on their high-end models. This allowed for a wider range of drivers to experience the benefits of active suspension, which included improved handling, stability, and comfort. Active suspension systems use advanced sensors and computer systems to adjust the suspension in real time, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride. This technology also improves the vehicle's stability, especially when driving at high speeds or through sharp turns. Additionally, active suspension can reduce the impact of bumps and potholes on the road, leading to less wear and tear on the vehicle over time. These benefits have made active suspension a highly sought-after feature in modern cars, with many car manufacturers now offering it as a standard or optional feature in their models. For new car drivers, understanding the benefits of active suspension can help them make informed decisions when choosing their next vehicle.
The current state of active suspension technology:
Active suspension technology has continued to evolve in recent years, with car manufacturers using advanced sensors and algorithms to provide even better performance. These advanced systems can adjust the suspension in real-time to provide maximum stability, handling, and comfort. Modern active suspension systems use a range of sensors, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, to monitor the vehicle's movement and adjust the suspension settings accordingly. Additionally, many car manufacturers have expanded the availability of active suspension to a wider range of models, including some mid-range vehicles. This means that drivers can now enjoy the benefits of active suspension technology without having to purchase a high-end luxury car. As active suspension technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more advanced systems that provide even better performance, comfort, and safety features in the vehicles of the future. For new car drivers, it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in active suspension technology to make informed decisions when selecting their next vehicle.
Car manufacturers offering active suspension in the UK:
Several car manufacturers offer active suspension technology in their vehicles in the UK, providing drivers with improved handling, stability, and comfort. Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW are among the leading car manufacturers that offer active suspension in many of their high-end models, including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, and BMW 7 Series. Jaguar is also known for its active suspension technology, which is featured in its XJ and XF models. Other car manufacturers that offer active suspension technology in the UK include Ford, which offers it on its Mondeo Vignale model, and Citroen, which offers it on its C5 Aircross. As active suspension technology continues to gain popularity and become more widely available, we can expect to see even more car manufacturers offering this feature in their vehicles.
Here are a few more examples of cars that offer active suspension:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a luxury car that offers a variety of active suspension features, including the ability to adjust the ride height and firmness of the suspension.
Audi A8: The Audi A8 is another luxury car that offers active suspension. The A8's system uses air springs and electronically controlled dampers to provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
Porsche 911: The Porsche 911 is a sports car that offers active suspension. The 911's system uses hydraulic actuators to adjust the ride height and firmness of the suspension.
BMW 7 Series: The BMW 7 Series is a luxury car that offers active suspension. The 7 Series system uses air springs and electronically controlled dampers to provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
Lexus LS: The Lexus LS is a luxury car that offers active suspension. The LS's system uses air springs and electronically controlled dampers to provide a smooth and comfortable ride.
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- Active suspension technology is designed to improve the handling, stability, and comfort of your vehicle, especially in challenging driving conditions.
- Early attempts to create active suspension date back to the mid-20th century, with the Citroën DS introducing hydropneumatic suspension in 1955.
- Advances in active suspension technology in the 1970s and 1980s introduced computer and sensor systems to adjust suspension settings in real-time.
- Semi-active suspension systems were introduced, allowing drivers to adjust suspension settings for different driving conditions.
- Active suspension technology became commercially available in the 1990s and 2000s, with luxury car manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz and Audi offering it on their high-end models.
- Modern active suspension systems use advanced sensors and algorithms to provide even better performance, comfort, and safety features.
- Active suspension is now available on a wider range of vehicles, including some mid-range models, providing more drivers with access to this technology.
- Car manufacturers offering active suspension in the UK include Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Ford, and Citroen. UK Car Discount offers a range of new cars with advanced features, including active suspension technology, to suit your needs and budget.
UK Car Discount can help you find a brand-new, car that meets your needs. Our team of experts can advise you in detail on your chosen vehicle's Standard Equipment and Available Options so you can make an informed decision. Contact us today at 0161 946 3500 to learn how we can help you buy your next new car.
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