The Multimatic TrueActive Spool Valve (TASV) Damper system will make its debut on the Ferrari Purosangue.

The vehicle is the OEM’s first to feature Ferrari Active Suspension Technology (FAST), a system enabled by Multimatic’s TASV technology. Unlike conventional dampers, the TASV Damper system from Multimatic turns the suspension into an active system capable of exerting enough force to move the entire vehicle body in anticipation of road disturbances or driving maneuvers. This results in optimized handling, feedback and ride comfort.

Fitted inside each TASV Damper are two spool valves which independently control compression and rebound motion to deliver a high level of control across a range of driving scenarios. Multimatic states that the TASV system is the first production active suspension in the world which has integrated an electric motor with spool valve damping to supplement vehicle springs with parallel force actuation through the damper.

The design of the suspension subsequently negates the need for anti-roll components or previously required mechanisms for rate or ride height adjustments. Furthermore, the system is capable of handling vehicle wheel motions at higher frequencies than adaptive or semi-active suspension setups.

Each of the company’s dampers feature a liquid-cooled 48V three-phase brushless electric motor to provide supplemental force through a twin-lead ball screw and gearbox assembly into the damper shaft. Multimatic’s damper was also designed to ensure it offered a small package space, and a reduced weight and rotational inertia.

For the Ferrari Purosangue each damper actuator assembly will be fitted with an onboard motor control module. Each module will receive direct commands from a vehicle dynamics controller based on control strategies to ensure optimal performance of the vehicle.

“This technology makes it possible to continuously control the vehicle body to achieve targeted vertical, roll and pitch dynamics at any speed.” said Michael Guttilla, vice president of engineering, Multimatic. “For example, the system can actively lower the vehicle’s center of gravity and control pitch and roll stiffness under acceleration, braking and cornering to maximize traction and dynamically optimize under/oversteer handling balance. It can also optimize tire contact with the road as the vehicle drives over rough surfaces, delivering exceptional ride quality and stability.”

“TrueActive Dampers were created to empower the suspension system with the ability to simultaneously deliver what the driver wants, what the tires want, and what the vehicle needs to attain a performance envelope and level of vehicle control far beyond what is possible with electronically adaptive and semi-active systems.” said Raj Nair, president and COO, Multimatic.

“This truly innovative technology is the culmination of Multimatic’s experience with vehicle dynamics optimization, suspension system development, and unique spool valve damping, embedded in a product that provides optimal on-track capability and on-road drivability.”

After spending six years working as a mechanic for various motorsport and high-end performance car companies, Callum joined UKi Media & Events in February 2020 as an assistant editor. In this role he uses his vast practical knowledge and passion for automotive to produce informative news pieces for multiple vehicle-related sectors.

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