Audi A8 Suspension

Adaptive air suspension of Audi A8

The Audi R8 model is using the latest technology system of suspension, adaptive air suspension which is very comfortable to driver. Adaptive air suspension is an electronically-controlled suspension system that acts on all four wheels of a vehicle. Adaptive air suspension adjusts the shock absorber, depending on the road conditions and the car’s speed, for precise handling and a high level of ride comfort. It also enables the speed-dependent lowering of the body, resulting in a lower center of gravity and improved vehicle aerodynamics and directional stability. This technology is available, for example, as an option in the Audi A8. An equipped vehicle has air suspension struts on all four wheels. The data from sensors on the axles and acceleration sensors on the body is evaluated in the adaptive air suspension's central control unit. This computer controls the adjustment of the individual shock absorbers in milliseconds depending on the driving situation. Controlled changes to the damping force at individual wheels help eliminate body movements at any time which could reduce occupant comfort. The adaptive damping system automatically reduces rolling or pitching movements when cornering, braking, or driving off. Adaptive air suspension, moreover, offers the advantages of a traditional self-leveling suspension system. The vehicle's suspension height remains constant irrespective of the load it is carrying. Audi adaptive air suspension successfully unites the apparently conflicting qualities of comfort and dynamic handling. With its combination of air suspension and a continuously variable, electronically controlled damper system, it adapts to every driving situation no matter how the vehicle is loaded.

   Component identification

All four wheels, the new A8 has air-suspension struts on which there are air-suspension bellows arranged concentrically around the continuously variable twin-tube shock absorbers. The air-suspension bellows consist of a special, multi-layered elastomeric material with polyamide cord inserts to increase strength. This layer absorbs the forces produced in the air spring.The suspension struts are pressurized by an electrically driven compressor in the engine compartment and a 5.8 liter pressure reservoir located at the rear of the vehicle with a maximum pressure of 16 bars. Plastic air lines connect the individual components; electromagnetic valves regulate the air flows.The data from four sensors on the axles and three acceleration sensors on the body is evaluated in the adaptive air suspension's central control unit. This computer prompts the adjustment of the individual shock absorbers in a matter of milliseconds, based on the driving situation identified, thereby always assuring optimum driving dynamics and ride comfort.Adaptive air suspension moreover offers the advantages of a traditional self-leveling suspension system. The vehicle's suspension height remains constant irrespective of the load it is carrying. This ensures that the Audi A8 is consistently presented to its best advantage.Air suspension also has a system-specific quality: the occupants additionally benefit from a constantly agreeable vibration behavior, again irrespective of the car's load. This is because extra air is pumped into the springs at high gross weights, and discharged again when the load is removed. The firmness of the springs thus adapts to the load situation at all times.

   System Operation

Adaptive air suspension is an electronically-controlled suspension system that acts on all four weeks of a vehicle. Adaptive air suspension adjusted the shock absorbers, depending on the road conditions and the car’s speed- dependent lowering of the body, resulting in a lower center of gravity and improved vehicle aerodynamics and directional stability. This technology is an available, for example, as an option in the Audi A8.An equipped vehicle has air suspension struts on all four wheels. The data from sensors on the axles and acceleration sensors on the body is evaluated in the adaptive air suspension’s central control unit. This computer controls the adjustment of the individual shock absorber in milliseconds depending on the driving situation. Controlled change the damping force at individual wheels help eliminate body movements at any time which could reduce occupant comfort. The adaptive damping system automatically reduces rolling or pitching movements when come ring, braking, or driving off. Adaptive air suspension, moreover, offers the advantage of a traditional self-leveling suspension system. The vehicle’s suspension height remains constant irrespective of the load it is carrying. To make loading easier .the Audi Q7 also offers a loading mode, which lowers the rear axle to 45mm below its level in normal mode. The loading mode can be activated either via MMI or by pressing a button in the luggage compartment.Audi adaptive air suspension successfully unites the apparently conflicting qualities of comfort and dynamic handling. With its combination of air suspension and a continuously variable, electronically controlled damper system, it adapts to every driving situation no matter how the vehicle is loaded

 

  Benefit of Adaptive Air Suspension

The vehicle's suspension height remaining constant irrespective of the load it is carrying; Adjustable dampening characteristics and ride height using a single process, via the manufacturers installed ‘Car Performance’ menu; And, generally, ability for the driver to influence the suspension characteristics, and thus the operating dynamics, as individually preferred. Very sporty and comfortable handling whatever the driving situation.