The Audi TT is a cult car, an icon –from the day it made its debut, in autumn 1998, it

took the sports coupe segment by storm, sharpening the brand's profile in the process. We
reported on the coming of the second generation of this successful model in April but
overlooked one of the most interesting facets of the new machine which uses a
completely new form of damping technology developed in conjunction with Delphi that
resolves the age-old conflict between comfort and driving dynamics without
countenancing any of the otherwise unavoidable compromises. As a continuously
adaptive system, it adapts the damping characteristic to the profile of the road and the
driver's gear-shifting habits within just a few milliseconds. The shock absorber pistons on
the TT do not contain conventional oil, but a magneto-rheological fluid – a synthetic
hydrocarbon oil in which microscopically small magnetic particles measuring between
three and ten microns are enclosed. When a voltage is applied to a coil – by means of a
pulse delivered by a control unit – a magnetic field is created in which the alignment of
the particles changes. They position themselves transversely to the direction of flow of
the oil, and so inhibit its flow through the piston channels. This alters the characteristic of
the damping characteristic much faster than is the case in conventional adaptive dampers.

Audi magnetic ride provides the right degree of damping force at each individual wheel
in every situation. The control unit, supplied by complex sensing technology, constantly
analyses the situation. Starting from the "Normal" setting, the driver can also activate the
"Sport" mode via a button on the centre console. These two programs establish clearly
distinctive characteristics.

In the basic mode – when the oil is more viscous and the degree of damping less
pronounced – the TT rolls surprisingly smoothly; this is ideal for long-distance driving or
uneven road surfaces. In the Sport mode, by contrast – when the oil is less viscous – it
reveals an extremely dynamic character that is manifested by a resolutely firm grip of the
road surface. Rolling movements are suppressed from the very moment the steering is
turned even more effectively than in the basic suspension setting, and the steering
response is further improved. The self-steering behaviour is further optimised by the
specific stabilisation provided for each individual wheel, resulting in a driving feel
reminiscent of a go-kart.

Audi Magnetic Ride is based on a magneto-rheological principle. When in a magnetic

field, small iron particles in the suspension fluid 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 energized the magnetic flux runs exactly transversely to the admission
ports in the damper piston. If the piston moves, the aligned iron particles create flow
resistance in the flowing suspension fluid.

The greater the energy applied and the stronger the magnetic field, the greater the
resistance and damping power. The energy is controlled in relation to driving dynamics
and impulses from the road. This means for every road situation optimal damping power
is available. This damping power produces – according to OEM desire – a more
comfortable feel or sportier vehicle handling.
Audi uses the magneto-rheological dampers for both – comfort and sport. In its basic
mode, the suspension allows for a more comfortable vehicle feel. In sports mode, the
vehicle offers a sportier ride thanks to a push of a button. Because of the lower level of
damping force in basic mode, the total path of the springs is fully utilized. This assures
top comfort over long distances and when driving over uneven surfaces.

The greater damping of the sports mode results in tighter, sportier handling along with
better control in the threshold. It also optimally suppresses the rolling tendency of the
car’s body in corners.

Since no mechanical parts must be moved, the Delphi technology responds extremely
spontaneously. The damping force is only dependent on the power applied to the
magneto-rheological fluid and can be adjusted up to 1,000 times a second. Thanks to the
variable control of the power, the damping force can also be set infinitely. This means the
magneto-rheological dampers respond almost in real time with great sensitivity to
impulses from the road. The control system loop with Skyhook algorithms ensures the
greatest possible road-to-wheel contact in the case of uneven road surfaces with the least
impulses to the car body. This means the Audi TT with Magnetic Ride has the greatest
possible driving dynamics and allows for comfort.

Delphi’s magneto-rheological monotube damper requires roughly the same space

requirements as conventional dampers or struts. If required, Delphi supplies the complete
semi-active system with dampers and struts including the sensors and the control unit.

For Audi, the low energy requirements of the system are another benefit. On average, a
damper requires just 5 watts of electrical capacity (25 watts at a maximum).