Beanboy Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 So, a fair number of GM high-end cars have magnetic ride control. No clue on technical specs of metal particle size used in the shocks, and how thick it actually gets when a current is passed through it to stiffen the suspension. Was thinking if the material checks out, would be a neat way to offer computer/driver controlled limited slip diffs on Subarus and still use the basic viscous coupling limited slip unit. Of course, the metal might be abrasive, not sure how thick it gets or if it could take the heat in a coupling environment, but hey, just drinking beers here and thinking cars. -B -B http://www.standardshift.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyboy333 Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 I imagine it's somewhat like ferrofluid, for which im too lazy to post a link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beanboy Posted July 27, 2006 Author Share Posted July 27, 2006 And I'm too lazy to search. I shall reach for another beer however. -B http://www.standardshift.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 I remember seeing something from Rod Millen about this. They were testing a fluid that turned solid when a current is passed through it. They were developing it for used in Hummers(not the yuppie version, but the real thing). It could work for a diff, but the standard viscous diff is so much simpler and much cheaper. The stuff Rod Millen has was worth more than gold by weight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beanboy Posted July 27, 2006 Author Share Posted July 27, 2006 While it is used on higher-end cars, it does seem a fluid has hit the market that works for vehicle suspension systems that come in under the 50K point. Standard viscous diff is simpler and cheaper, but in comparision to the electronic clutches in the STI center diff, I bet cost would be reasonable. Bonus would be to offer a locking rear diff as well. Heck, throw it on the shocks as well. Most Subarus seem to be getting blasted in car tests thanks to their long suspension travel/softer suspension. With these types of shocks, best of both worlds, especially on the Outback. -B http://www.standardshift.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beanboy Posted July 27, 2006 Author Share Posted July 27, 2006 In 1985 Subaru offered a car with a turbo, full-time AWD, and height adjustable suspension. Dual-range was an option on manual cars. Subaru should reach into their past to a time when they were actually innovators, offer some overseas options (like the dual-range which is still available) on US products, and get cracking on things that would make the engineers of 20 years ago proud. As it is, they are playing catch-up. Stability control is still only available on the most expensive models, no sign of direct injection yet, just getting mp3 playback/aux input into their cars in 2007, etc... -B http://www.standardshift.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IwannaSportSedan Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 damn... that sounds really cool for an 80's car. That almost sounds like a Porsche 959... turbo AWD, height adjustable... Amen to the rest of it, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 Citroen's pneumatic/hydraulic suspension is pretty awesome, though the rest of the car isn't. A relative of mine in a different country had a XM. You can raise and lower the suspension at anytime from low rider low to almost Outback high. The car actually didn't come with a jack for fixing flats. It came with a block/jack stand. All you had to do was raise the car up, put the block underneath and then lower the car. This pulled the wheel off the ground. Even stranger, it was balanced so you can remove one wheel and still drive the car. Too bad only the Frenchy have used this system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meier motor sports Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 neato!!! i want a 3 wheel car or something http://www.rustynails.co.uk/other/PimpBenz/hydros/3-wheel2.JPG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IwannaSportSedan Posted July 28, 2006 Share Posted July 28, 2006 Scotty makes a point. Citroen SM also had directional headlights, and a few other advances. That seems to be the thing about Citroens. Some really original ideas, packaged strangely. Supposedly their new sedan is quite something, too. I wonder what new advances applied to such a cross-connected suspension system would be like, with things like ferrofluid that adapts electromagnetically, computer and servo adjusted valving, adjustable air bladder springs and central tire inflation (as long as compressed air is aboard...), and all sorts of other technological advances... It would be interesting to see what a truly clean sheet design that re-develops some of the best ideas from the past would be like. not doing a mcPherson strut suspension just because they are common, and inexpensive. Do something advanced because it has genuine advantage... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted July 28, 2006 Share Posted July 28, 2006 Then it becomes whether you want to design a driver's car or a technology showcase. The ultimate driver's car is your avatar. McLaren F1 is the ultimate. The driver has total control over the car. Something like the Bugatti Veyron has so much electronics that it takes away from driver skill, not that it doesn't require skill to drive that thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IwannaSportSedan Posted July 28, 2006 Share Posted July 28, 2006 good point. Although, I hear (I doubt I'll ever find out first hand...) that the Big Mac is a bit of a handful as a driver's car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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