AUDI URBAN PURIFIER Finally, while we do not tend to feature pilot technologies, we thought that this interesting project between Audi and Mann+Hummel filtration was worth highlighting. Audi admits that, regardless of a vehicle’s drive system, 85% of fine dust in road traffic is caused by particulates from the brakes, tyres, or road. These smallest particles, which are virtually invisible, are only a few micrometres in size and these cancer-causing fragments can be inhaled easily. Yet, in the last year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended significantly lower particulate matter limits are set but, according to experts cited by Audi, it would be impossible to comply with these new values in many German towns and cities. This is worth considering, because future Euro VII legislation is targeting these types of emissions. In any case, a filter is fitted to the front of Audi e-tron test cars to absorb not just its own particulates but also those of other vehicles. The filter is fitted in front of the radiator and is controlled by a switchable cooling air inlet. Using a similar principle to that of an engine air filter, the purifier filter traps particulates from the incoming stream. While the system works using ram air, when the vehicle is moving, the radiator fan also drags air through the purifier, when the car is either stationary, or moving slowly in traffic. While two years of testing remain, Audi reports that the filters have no negative effect on the operation of the electric vehicle, including on hot summer days or during fast charging. The partners are also investigating working with weather stations and an interior display to allow occupants to control the system and evaluate its effectiveness.
FERRARI PUROSANGUE – FERRARI ACTIVE SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGY (F.A.S.T.)
4 FOCUS
It seems that even the most ardent SUV naysayers have capitulated and supercar manufacturers have realised that mass appeal (and profit) can be made by selling their souls – which, admittedly, may be better than selling out to the Chinese... Anyway, several curious and mightily expensive SUVs have appeared, such as the Lamborghini Urus, Aston Martin's DBX and the Maserati Grecale. Now, Ferrari has got in on the act (even though it prefers the term sports car over SUV), with the 725 horsepower, 193mph Purosangue.
14
Despite its practical advantages, Ferrari ensures that its racing pedigree shines through. While active dampers are nothing new, the Purosangue employs the Canadian Multimatic’s TrueActive Spool Valve shock absorbers (TASV) to optimise the handling. Technically, this is a motor industry first, where an electric motor is coupled directly to the damper rod to influence damping and ride-height. Each TASV damper contains a pair of spool valves that control compression and rebound motions, which Multimatic states provides precise and predictable
control, by achieving the desired vertical, roll and pitch dynamics at any speed. The valves are controlled by a liquid-cooled 48-volt motor that acts on the damper shaft, via a twin-lead ball screw and gearbox. Each damper possesses a dedicated motor control module that is controlled by the Vehicle Dynamics Controller ECU and associated components. Multimatic says that the system allows the vehicle to attain a performance envelope and level of vehicle control far beyond that which is possible with other electronically adaptive and semi-active systems. Yet, TASV simplifies the suspension system, by negating any need for physical anti-roll devices and additional mechanisms to adjust dynamic ride height and damping rates.