new active suspension technology

The German equipment manufacturer is launching its new ZF sMotion active suspension technology, which promises to combine stability and dynamism.

In cars, it is sometimes difficult to reconcile dynamism and comfort: the new technologie de suspension active ZF sMotion promises to meet this challenge.

Reconciling dynamism and comfort

Two new Porsche models already use part of the ZF sMotion active suspension system: the Panamera as well as the 100% electric Taycan, both equipped with Porsche’s “Active Ride” air suspension. This incorporates ZF sMotion damping and valve technology, which promises toeliminate pitching and rolling movements encountered during dynamic steering, braking or acceleration maneuvers. In practice, this system precisely adjusts the damping force according to driving situations: while generating rapid vertical movements for each wheel, sMotion actively adjusts vehicle height to ensure optimal road holding.

“Our sMotion active suspension system is able to almost completely eliminate body movement in certain driving situations”explains Peter Holdmann, Member of the Board of Management of ZF and Head of the Chassis Solutions division: “At the same time, the comfort of vehicles equipped with sMotion is considerably improved. »

ZF sMotion: how does it work?

Developed from CDC controlled shock absorber system (Continuous Damping Control) from ZF, the sMotion active suspension is equipped with two external valves, which independently regulate the compression and rebound movements of the shock absorber: this ensures optimal adaptation of the damping pressure to each driving situation, guaranteeing both comfort and driving dynamism. The sMotion system also incorporates a high-performance oil pump, capable of actively moving the wheel suspension via the piston rod.

This electronic control system makes it possible to neutralize the effects of road irregularities on each wheel, and is capable of compensating for variations in wheel height during turns, particularly during acceleration and braking phases. The sMotion system notably makes it possible to improve dynamic driving maneuvers: for example, while a turn to the right would cause the car to “roll” to the left, cars equipped with sMotion automatically adjust their inclination when turning according to speedwhich allowsimprove vehicle behavior and agility.

The sMotion active suspension can, for example, raise a car by eight centimeters in the space of half a second, while the control electronics are able to keep a three-ton car horizontal on the road, even under a turning force of 1 g. In practice, this system makes it possible in particular to reduce travel sickness.