Keeping stable

Delphi is developing a new Active Stabiliser Bar System (ASBS) that delivers better steering feel, improved vehicle dynamics, superior comfort and greater tuning capability compared with today's technologies.

The system is claimed to be the first to provide continuous across-centre control and is 60 per cent lighter and around 65 per cent more compact than the company's previous system.

Delphi was first to market with an Active Stabiliser Bar System in 1999 and has subsequently developed both linear and rotary systems for a range of applications.

In 2005, Delphi's second generation system was launched on the Range Rover Sport. The ball screw rotary actuator technology provides a high angular articulation and converts around 95 per cent of pump energy into hydraulic pressure.

A traditional stabiliser bar improves vehicle stability through corners by reducing roll angle and managing the tyre-to-road interface. High performance vehicles and heavy vehicles with a high centre of gravity typically require stiff, large diameter stabiliser bars but these can substantially reduce ride comfort and refinement and can also reduce traction in some conditions.