2018 Audi A8 game-changing suspension explained

For the new active chassis technology, the A8 has an electromechanical unit at each corner of the suspension system. They are managed by an electronic chassis platform (ECP) central control unit that is integrated in to other vehicle systems.

Each unit is capable of applying up to 1100Nm of force to either compress or extend the suspension arms, depending on the road conditions and driving style.

During fast cornering the active system can counter the compression of the outside wheels, reducing bodyroll, and can minimise pitch and dive during heavy acceleration or braking by applying force to either the front or rear suspension.

The technology also uses information from the vehicle’s forward-facing camera to spot obstacles on the road and adjust the suspension to suit them. While a conventional suspension set up would crash into a pothole or over a speed bump, Audi’s active system will move the wheel with the obstacle, minimising the unpleasant sensation transmitted through to the cabin and its occupants.
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MDarringer - 7/13/2017 4:14:04 PM

+5 Boost

Yawn

TomM - 7/14/2017 7:07:36 AM

+4 Boost

My 450SEL 6.9 had a truly unique feature with its hydropneumatic suspension. Instead of a tire jack - they had a big block of wood. You raised the suspension to its highest setting - and put the block of wood under the vehicle - and when you then put the suspension it its lowest setting - the tire and wheel simple raised themselves up off the ground suspended by the block. Never had to worry about a jack that could fall over.

Today - the spare tire is optional - and this is progress?

This new suspension - I am sure - is technically an achievement - but it will do nothing to catapult the sales of the A8 into the realm of the S-class. People say all these cars look alike - but you CAN spot the difference between and s-class and the lesser Mercedes cars from a distance - you cannot do the same with the Audi. THere comes a time when similarities are just too all consuming - there should be SOMETHING on an A* that clearly screams this is the top end car - but there is not. AND unfortunately - it (and the BMW 7) simply do not have the panache of an S-class. There is one saving grace - for the second owners who want a special car - the Audi and BMWs lose their value quickly - so the first owners pay the depreciation cost and some of the cars COULD be a deal. (THere is why it pays to have a friend in the local dealer service department)

GermanNut - 7/13/2017 5:17:14 PM

-2 Boost

The Audi A8's suspension is truly revolutionary and makes even the Mercedes-Benz's S-Class's suspension look outdated. The A8's suspension is just one of the many groundbreaking technology features that will cause its sales to surge as buyers realize the A8 represents a new era of intelligent and safer driving.

MDarringer - 7/13/2017 5:36:52 PM

-1 Boost

Off your meds again?

Runamukk - 7/13/2017 5:49:29 PM

+8 Boost

Um...Mercedes has had a suspension that automatically adjusts to oncoming road imperfections using stereoscopic cameras on the S Class since 2014...how exactly is this different or better?

GermanNut - 7/13/2017 10:32:42 PM

-4 Boost

You obviously didn't read the article. The A8's suspension actually raises and lowers the car when it detects imperfections in the road ahead. There is more to it than just that, but the Audi system is far more advanced than Mercedes-Benz's system in the S-Class. Just wait for the reviews that will explain in greater detail.

Firewombat - 7/14/2017 6:17:24 PM

+3 Boost

Um Bob, you just described yourself in the most ironic way possible...

MDarringer - 7/14/2017 8:22:19 PM

+1 Boost

@Firewombat, I found it most amusing. Bob hasn't been taking his medications recently.