MagneRide

Adaptive suspension system
MagneRide is an automotive adaptive suspension with magnetorheological damper system developed by the Delphi Automotive corporation, that uses magnetically controlled dampers, or shock absorbers, for a highly adaptive ride. As opposed to traditional suspension systems, MagneRide has no mechanical valves or even small moving parts that can wear. This system consists of monotube dampers, one on each corner of the vehicle, a sensor set, and an ECU (electronic control unit) to maintain the system.

The dampers are filled with magnetorheological fluid, a mixture of easily magnetized iron particles in a synthetic hydrocarbon oil. In each of the monotube dampers is a piston containing two electromagnetic coils and two small fluid passages through the piston. The electromagnets are able to create a variable magnetic field across the fluid passages. When the magnets are off, the fluid travels through the passages freely. When the magnets are turned on, the iron particles in the fluid create a fibrous structure through the passages in the same direction as the magnetic field. The strength of the bonds between the magnetized iron particles causes the effective viscosity of the fluid to increase resulting in a stiffer suspension. Altering the strength of the current results in an instantaneous change in force of the piston. If the sensors sense any body roll, they communicate the information to the ECU. The ECU will compensate for this by changing the strength of the current to the appropriate dampers.

The first generation was created by Delphi Corporation during a period when it was a subsidiary of General Motors (GM). Originally licensed only to General Motors vehicles, it debuted on the 2002.5 Cadillac Seville STS. The first sports car to use the technology was the 2003 C5 Corvette. Delphi would later license the technology to other manufacturers such as Ferrari and Audi. BeijingWest Industries, BWI, acquired MagneRide IP in 2009.