Audi's mid-engined sports car joins the Audi TT in offering Delphi's
MagneRide suspension
Controlled fluid damping technology continues to gain acceptance in Europe
TROY, Mich., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Audi's new R8 road-going sports
car, which incorporates the genes of the five-time Le Mans winning race
car, will join the Audi TT in featuring Delphi Corporation's revolutionary
MagneRide suspension technology.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020315/DEF002LOGO )
The R8 will be available for sale in Europe in the first half of 2007.
Called Audi Magnetic Ride this innovative technology uses magneto-
rheological fluid-filled dampers to provide continuously variable real-time
suspension damping control. The system offers increased damper tuning
capability, a very large range of damping, and faster response over valve-
based controlled suspension systems. Audi Magnetic Ride delivers both
maximum driving dynamics and superior road isolation that results in
excellent driver comfort.
Furthermore, drivers can choose from two driving programs with a
console- mounted two-position driver preference switch depending on whether
they want to drive with maximum road feel and control, or with the emphasis
more on ride comfort.
Principle of Delphi's MagneRide technology
Delphi's MagneRide semi-active suspension uses magneto-rheological
fluid to provide continuously variable real-time suspension damping
control. It responds in real time to road and driving conditions based on
input from sensors that monitor vehicle body and wheel motion.
"The legendary success of the racing Audi R8 is well-known," said
Daniel Warrell, Delphi Chassis Product Business Unit executive. "We are
delighted to apply MagneRide to its road-going namesake."
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. As the piston moves, the aligned iron particles
cling together and create flow resistance in the flowing suspension fluid.
The greater the energy applied and the stronger the magnetic field, the
greater the attractive force between the iron particles, thereby creating
greater 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.
The control of these dampers is done by an electronic controller that
communicates with the vehicle's sensors and other chassis controllers in
order to determine the prevailing driving situation in a matter of
milliseconds.
Application
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 sport mode, the vehicle offers a more responsive ride thanks to a
push of a button.
Because of the greater emphasis on ride comfort in the basic mode,
maximum comfort is assured when driving over long distances or uneven
surfaces.
The greater emphasis on precise and responsive handling in the sport
mode results in even better control at the limit. It also optimally
suppresses the transient rolling tendency of the car's body in corners.
Benefits
Because damper valving is eliminated by using magneto-rheological
controlled fluid within the damper, the Delphi technology has a very short
response time. 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 nearly instantaneous and variable control of the
power, the damping force can also be set anywhere in the broad range
between the full soft and the full firm settings. This means the
magneto-rheological dampers respond in real time and with great sensitivity
to impulses from the road. The control system loop uses an enhanced Skyhook
control strategy to ensure the greatest possible road-to-wheel contact on
uneven road surfaces with the least impulse to the car body. This means
that the new Audi R8 with Magnetic Ride has superb agility, great driving
dynamics and outstanding ride comfort.
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).
Delphi's magneto-rheological monotube damper requires roughly the same
space requirements as conventional dampers or struts. If required, Delphi
can supply the complete semi-active system with dampers and struts
including the sensors and the control unit.
For more information about Delphi Corporation (Pink Sheets: DPHIQ),
visit Delphi's media room at http://www.delphi.com .
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT
This press release, as well as other statements made by Delphi may
contain forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that reflect, when
made, the company's current views with respect to current events and
financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as
the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating
to the company's operations and business environment which may cause the
actual results of the company to be materially different from any future
results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from these
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:
the ability of the company to continue as a going concern; the ability of
the company to operate pursuant to the terms of the debtor-in-possession
("DIP") financing facility; the company's ability to obtain court approval
with respect to motions in the chapter 11 proceeding prosecuted by it from
time to time; the ability of the company to develop, prosecute, confirm and
consummate one or more plans of reorganization with respect to the Chapter
11 cases; risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining court
approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period for the company to
propose and confirm one or more plans of reorganization, for the
appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or to convert the cases to chapter 7
cases; the ability of the company to obtain and maintain normal terms with
vendors and service providers; the company's ability to maintain contracts
that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the
Chapter 11 cases on the company's liquidity or results of operations; the
ability of the company to execute its business plans, including the
transformation plan described in this press release, and to do so in a
timely fashion; the ability of the company to attract, motivate and/or
retain key executives and associates; the ability of the company to avoid
or continue to operate during a strike, or partial work stoppage or slow
down by any of its unionized employees; and the ability of the company to
attract and retain customers. Other risk factors are listed from time to
time in the company's United States Securities and Exchange Commission
reports, including, but not limited to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2004, and its most recent quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005, and current reports on
Form 8-K. Delphi disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events and/or otherwise.
Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any
reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the
company's various pre-petition liabilities, common stock and/or other
equity securities. Additionally, no assurance can be given as to what
values, if any, will be ascribed in the bankruptcy proceedings to each of
these constituencies. A plan of reorganization could result in holders of
Delphi's common stock receiving no distribution on account of their
interest and cancellation of their interests. Under certain conditions
specified in the Bankruptcy Code, a plan of reorganization may be confirmed
notwithstanding its rejection by an impaired class of creditors or equity
holders and notwithstanding the fact that equity holders do not receive or
retain property on account of their equity interests under the plan. In
light of the foregoing and as stated in its October 8, 2005, press release
announcing the filing of its Chapter 11 reorganization cases, the company
considers the value of the common stock to be highly speculative and
cautions equity holders that the stock may ultimately be determined to have
no value. Accordingly, the company urges that appropriate caution be
exercised with respect to existing and future investments in Delphi's
common stock or other equity interests or any claims relating to
pre-petition liabilities.
SOURCE Delphi Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.delphi.com
http://www.delphi.com/media
Photo Notes:
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CONTACT:
Europe: Marie-Pierre Ygrie,
+33-1-49-90-47-52, marie.pierre.ygrie@delphi.com , or Germany:
Thomas Aurich, (49) 2022-912-115, thomas.aurich@delphi.com , or
USA: John Shea, +1-248-813-2485, john.m.shea@delphi.com , all of
Delphi Corporation
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