ArvinMeritor Supplies Dynamic Height Control System for the C6RS Chevrolet Corvette Concept Car at the SEMA Show
"Ride and handling are key elements of a successful vehicle design," said Ed Frutig, vice president and general manager of Light Vehicle System (LVS) Chassis Systems for ArvinMeritor. "SEMA provides a glimpse of the future chassis technologies you may see on tomorrow's production vehicles as it relates to styling, performance, and even fuel economy. The Dynamic Height Control system is one example of the new products ArvinMeritor is now bringing to market that will significantly enhance a vehicle's ride, stability, safety, and performance capabilities."
The DHC system incorporates an electronically controlled air shock system and features lightweight, aluminum monotube air shocks and a controller with proprietary software. The controller and software feature control strategies that interface with the car's ECU to automatically provide optimum ride height under all driving conditions.
The ArvinMeritor control logic in the DHC system automatically lowers and rakes the vehicle at higher speed for increased stability and improved aerodynamics, increasing vehicle performance. For aesthetic purposes, the system can also be driver-controlled at lower speeds, allowing the driver to "slam" the vehicle (lower to the ground) for low-speed cruising or parking. It also provides the ability to raise the vehicle for improved ground clearance to reduce the chance of dragging the car's ground effects when negotiating steep inclines in driveways and parking situations. When the vehicle is not running, it can still be raised and lowered with a control mounted in the key fob.
The DHC system is part of ArvinMeritor's light vehicle smart systems portfolio, which also includes two- and four-corner standard air-suspension systems, an active air-suspension system, adaptive damping, and active roll-control systems. Focused on vehicle stability, ArvinMeritor's chassis systems solutions are scalable in performance, yet modular in design. The company's modular products can be applied independently or in combination to provide an integrated chassis for active vehicle dynamic control. This gives the OEM greater value through flexibility in design, manufacturing, and opportunities for incremental layers of performance on a single platform.
The Corvette C6RS was designed, developed, and constructed by Pratt & Miller Engineering. Inspired by the company's Le Mans-winning Corvette C6.R race cars, the new Pratt & Miller Corvette C6RS supercar combines advanced racing technology with everyday drivability. It produces 600 horsepower and employs a carbon-fiber body, custom interior and sound system, and upgraded tires, wheels, brakes, and suspension system.
