How does the 4C suspension work?

[Libra]

I would like to know how the suspension changes from being soft to being bone shakingly hard the next just by touching a button?

I know they are electronic and controlled/adjusted by what the sensors tell them to do plus what mode I select, Comfort, Sport and Advanced Sport. Is it like what the Audi TT has with its "iron filings" in the struts like what Clarkson said - when they are turned off the suspension is soft and when you turn them on, they make the suspension hard.

If anyone can enlighten me I would really love to know and be very grateful

[Clan]

There are variable electronic valves in each damper which are able to be adjusted 500 times per second from soft to hard or infinite steps in between .. But there is a lot more to it than just varying the damper stiffness.
Each damper is adjusted independently . which allows all sorts of useful scenerios .

For example when braking hard the front dampers go harder and the rears softer to help the car stay level , and the other way around when accelerating .. same when cornering , and braking when cornering , It also has influence on the throttle and auto gearbox , so the throttle feels more responsive in Advanced mode . its all linked into the DSTC so quite a complex system , there are level sensors on each suspension arm too so the system knows exactly what attitude the car is at . The handbook should explain more ..

[Libra]

Thank you Clan. I did know that when you accelerate the rear dampers stiffen up and when you brake the fronts stiffen up.

I have downloaded this video - http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/press/r-video.shtml and it explains a lot, just not how they actually work. No I know, so thank you.

I have just found this out on the VOC car pages for the S60R and V70R....http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/tech/2004r/R5-Four-C.pdf

Pages 76-77 detail what you said about valve on each damper which is adjusted by a surrounding solenoid.

[Libra]

Just found out some more information on the suspension...

Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CES)

CES is a semi-active suspension system that achieves the optimal balance between comfort and handling. It continuously adjusts damping levels according to road conditions, vehicle dynamics including speed and steering maneuvers and driver input. Developed by Tenneco engineers in Europe, in conjunction with Öhlins Racing, CES delivers comfort without sacrificing the safety of sure handling.

Volvo used the Tenneco CES to develop its continuously controlled chassis concept, standard on its S60 R and V70 R performance vehicles and offered as an option on its S60, V70, XC70 and S80 vehicles, as well as the Audi A6 and Audi A6 Avant

http://www.eu.tenneco-automotive.com...e/products.htm

and then on Tenneco site

Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension
Tenneco’s Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CES) provides next generation capabilities in vehicle handling and ride comfort. CES is a semi-active suspension system that continuously adjusts damping levels according to road and driving conditions. At the heart of CES is an advanced valve system, developed with Ohlins Racing. The valves are integrated with an electronic controller and chassis sensors and work together to deliver the most advanced damping characteristics.

http://www.tenneco.com/OriginalEquip...ies/index.html

and this PDF

http://www.tenneco.com/media/uploads...3_CES_GB_3.pdf

Its amazing what you can find on the web these days.