Magnetic force

Traditional vehicle suspensions are optimised for comfort or handling performance — but not both.

With most cars, every bump can be a jolt to the kidneys, and every corner can make passengers feel as if they are about to fall over. It's a compromise consumers have come to accept depending on their expectations of a car.

That age-old conflict between ride and driving dynamics may be a thing of the past if a hi-tech magnetic damping system fitted to the latest Audi TT is anything to go by.

Unlike conventional shock absorber systems the TT's pistons do not contain oil, but a magneto-rheological fluid in which microscopic iron particles are suspended. When in a magnetic field, the particles align themselves in the direction of the magnetic flux.

The electromagnetic coil is integrated into the damper piston in such a way that when it is energised, the magnetic flux runs transverse to the admission ports in the piston. As it moves up and down, the aligned iron particles cling together and create resistance in the suspension fluid. This changes the fluid's viscosity within milliseconds, providing a softer or firmer ride. The driver can choose between a 'normal' and 'sport' setting with a simple push of a button on the console.