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Prodrive Active Suspension for new Legacy (speak up now)


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Here's a post from NASIOC that I decided to bring over here, in case anyone's interested. Sounds like a very nice setup, and for less than $3,000, which is fully competitive with the nicer coilover systems that our Legacies will deserve. At present, it is for the STi and WRX only, but perhaps if enough interested Legacy folks speak up, big brothers can get some love, too. Kevin p.s. No, I am NOT considering, despite having tried, between my WRX and '98 Legacy GT wagon, about a dozen different suspension combos! <<All, If you would like to receive up to date information on the development of our Active Shock Technology please join our mailing list by sending an E-Mail to [email]Sales@Prodrive-USA.com[/email] titled “Active Shock Technology Mailing List” Regards Dan Antonielli [email]Dan@Prodrive-USA.com[/email] 949-757-1799 *Note The more people we get on this list the sooner we can get this product out to the public. If I can show that there is a large interest for this product it is likely that I can get the development of it expedited.>>
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As I understand it, the struts are almost infinitely adjustable to your driving style and conditions. They are almost like a self-adjusting strut setup, similar to what, say, the Volvo R cars offer. You can choose the way that you want to drive, then tailor the strut accordingly. They have external oil reservoirs, and all kinds of fancy stuff. Prodrive is also thinking of including a dash monitoring system, so that you can see what's going on with your setup. It's a pretty slick system, from what we know so far. The proof is in the installing. The Praxis air suspension system, for example, is more of a tempest in a teapot, from people who have actually had the chance to experience the system. Here's the deal on the Prodrive setup: <<Active Shock Technology The Prodrive suspension with Active Shock Technology™ brings fully functioning semi-active suspension technology to the aftermarket. Active Shock adjusts shock stiffness over 1,000 times each second. The Active Shock suspension can range from softer than stock to 10 times stiffer than stock and it adjusts on the fly. The Active Shock system adjusts shock valving 1,000 times per second based on information from sensors monitoring the position, velocity, and acceleration of the suspension components and the lateral and longitudinal movement of the car’s body. Active Shock’s Ride State Aware™ algorithm continuously adjusts the amount of damping. The Ride State Aware algorithm can predict body and wheel motions before they occur. Active Shock doesn’t just react to bumps, it anticipates them, providing just enough resistance to prevent bottoming regardless of load and ride height. The result is a suspension that provides better than stock levels of comfort during daily drives and 10 times the resistance to bottoming, body roll, squat and dive during performance handling. Active Shock Features: · Adjusts suspension performance in real time to provide maximum performance driving capability · Improves ride comfort during normal driving without sacrificing handling · Monitors ride conditions and adapts in real time to improve grip and ride quality · Optimizes understeer/oversteer balance during corner entry and exit · Improves straight line stability · Allows the driver to fine tune feel and performance level from the driver seat by selecting Comfort, Sport, or Race settings · Allows damping to be adjusted for competition without rebuilding strut unit · Compensates for changes in spring rate or wheel and tire configuration · Reduces ABS intervention over irregular surfaces · Handles largest bumps, jumps, and potholes without bottoming Active Shock Includes: · Four (4) semi-active, remote reservoir strut units with Eibach springs · Wiring harness connecting the four struts to master control unit · Upgraded rear shock mounts · Ride State Aware Algorithm monitoring and controlling suspension performance · Optional dash-mounted driver interface unit with integrated display and control panel Availability: Mid-year 2004>> Kevin
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I was impressed by the first write-up on it. Will be interesting to see how this improves the WRXs and STis against the stock vehicles (tire upgrade is sort of a requirement as we all know to increase performance.)
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I had hoped that a system like this was being developed to be put to use in a future Legacy STi. If I were to splurge on suspension, an adjustable set of some sort would definitely fit the bill. I actually think it is more fitting for the Legacy crowd than the Impreza where people will be more inclined to drive with rock hard or want to set the adjustments themselves.
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I was thinking on a similar line, suspension for Legacy STi. Yeah, it would add maybe another $1500, but think of the capabilities it could potentially add. Upgraded EJ257 engine w/ 300hp Brembos Lightweight 6MT with VDC 3 LSDs Prodrive Active Suspension If we get this, why do we need the WRX STi again? :D Both are a bit different, but this car could do SO much it would be incredible!
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If you are referring to what may come in September, I highly doubt that all of that could be included for the price rumored. I could see this active suspension if/when they get a 350-400hp H6TT. Isn't Tein the only one that made an adjustable suspension that could be adjusted from inside the car? That would be the closest thing to this Prodrive setup, but it wouldn't be active. My fear on this active suspension is the replacement cost. it can't be cheap.
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I would guess more in the $35k or so range with Prodrive Active setup. An H6TT would be a whole new beast that would be RS6 in substance, but in a lightweight chassis in comparison. Just a killer machine for the open road. The big question, will it ever be built?
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[quote]Active Shock Features: · Adjusts suspension performance in real time to provide maximum performance driving capability · Improves ride comfort during normal driving without sacrificing handling · Monitors ride conditions and adapts in real time to improve grip and ride quality · Optimizes understeer/oversteer balance during corner entry and exit · Improves straight line stability · Allows the driver to fine tune feel and performance level from the driver seat by selecting Comfort, Sport, or Race settings · Allows damping to be adjusted for competition without rebuilding strut unit · Compensates for changes in spring rate or wheel and tire configuration · Reduces ABS intervention over irregular surfaces · Handles largest bumps, jumps, and potholes without bottoming Active Shock Includes: · Four (4) semi-active, remote reservoir strut units with Eibach springs · Wiring harness connecting the four struts to master control unit · Upgraded rear shock mounts · Ride State Aware Algorithm monitoring and controlling suspension performance · Optional dash-mounted driver interface unit with integrated display and control panel [/quote] :o :o :o

Perrin BIG maf intake

Perrin Turbo Inlet

HKS SSQV BOV

Megan Racing header with UP (ceramic coated)

HKS DP (WRX)

DMH E-cutout

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[quote name='axis008']will this suspension setup have the in-car raise/lower feature (comfort/sport/race) like the praxxis air suspension setup? or just different stiffness rates?[/quote] stiffness only. The B9 Scrambler has a "concept" suspension that is ride height adjustable. I think that this may be very fitting for the 7 passenger X-over coming out in about 18 months.
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  • 2 years later...
Honestly i dont understand it. How can a suspension system ANTICIPATE road conditions? We talking forward/side scan millimeter radar? Semi sentient AI? Now i would be inclined to believe if the system REACTS so quickly(near realtime) that you will barely be able to tell but "anticipate"? How? How could a suspension be able to tell that you are about to hit a rough patch of road if what you were previously on was smooth and undamaged?
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Subaru had adjustable height suspension back in the 80s (air bladder leaky when old system). Be a neat thing on the Outback from the I perspective. Different than damper adjustment I know, but Subaru has worked with suspension adjustment from inside cockpit before. Adjust ground clearance from 7"-11" would be a neat feature.
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Agreed. Being able to raise the suspension for speed bumps, occaisional gravel road, snowy roads, or any other unknown obstacle that OE suspensions are high-enough to avoid. But then can lower it for smooth street driving, and perhaps even a bit more for high-speed highway use or venued racing events, with less lift, less drag, better road-holding, and possibly slightly better fuel efficiency. Imagine a Subaru with DCCD, VDC, Variable suspension damping, and variable ride-height and spring rates. All semi-automatic, with manual choice of several automatic profiles... Settings that don't require constant attention, but that can be set for differing circumstances.
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[quote name='IwannaSportSedan']Agreed. Being able to raise the suspension for speed bumps, occaisional gravel road, snowy roads, or any other unknown obstacle that OE suspensions are high-enough to avoid. But then can lower it for smooth street driving, and perhaps even a bit more for high-speed highway use or venued racing events, with less lift, less drag, better road-holding, and possibly slightly better fuel efficiency. Imagine a Subaru with DCCD, VDC, Variable suspension damping, and variable ride-height and spring rates. All semi-automatic, with manual choice of several automatic profiles... Settings that don't require constant attention, but that can be set for differing circumstances.[/quote] ...drool...
Ich bin echt viel netter, wenn ich nuechtern bin. Echt!
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[quote name='f1anatic']That"s why you buy AUDI allroad[/quote] Strip off the extra 800 lbs. that thing carries, and I'm all over it...not. Between myself and three colleagues, we have some nice wagons - Sub OBXT, 04 Volvo XC70, 05 Audi Allroad (2.8L), and Passat V6 4Motion. By the numbers, they look fairly closely matched. Ha. Real-world, the Audi is the slowest of the bunch - too much fat. 1. OBXT, 2. XC70, ---------3. Passat, -----4. Allroad. Not even close. Actually, I don't much want the VDC, but the rest would be nice toys to have, and don't need to add much in weight. [I]edit: my buddy has an 05 Allroad. Apparently Audi dropped the Allroad for 06!![/I]
Ich bin echt viel netter, wenn ich nuechtern bin. Echt!
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