Ferrari gets Delphi MagnaRide The 07 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the all-new 2-seater unveiled at the recent Geneva auto show, has a top speed of 205 mph (330 km/h) and sprints from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds. So imagine how pleased the product and engineering ranks are at beleaguered Delphi Corp. Its Energy and Chassis division makes the MagneRide variable damper technology that was chosen to give the 599 GTB its razor sharp handling. Delphis sophisticated MagneRide suspension control system debuted in 2002 in the Cadillac Seville. Until the Ferrari contract, MagneRide was exclusive to GM vehicles, where it is sold as either Magnetic Selective Ride Control or Magnetic Ride Control. The technology is expensive because it uses monotube dampers filled with proprietary magneto-rheological (MR) fluid. The system applies an electronically controlled magnetic charge to metallic particles in the fluid based on road conditions and driver inputs to provide an infinitely variable array of damping force. The system, which Delphi describes as semi-active suspension control, responds with lightning speed, improving transient handling for both turn-in and yaw stability. Delphi says 599 GTB drivers also will experience more precise steering feel and control of the vehicle, even at top speeds. The supplier admits MagneRide dampers are scores of magnitude more expensive than conventional passive dampers. Price has been a barrier that has dissuaded other potential customers. But MagneRide fits well with Ferraris price-is-no-object market cachet. Pricing for the 599 GTB has not been announced yet. Sales of the car start in Europe in June and in the U.S. in fall. Ferrari 599 GTB Fioranos top speed is 205 mph. The auto maker will refer to the system as Magnetorheological Suspension Control (SCM) and says the system has never before been used on a high-performance sports car. MagneRide dampers will be placed at all four corners. Ferrari says its instantaneous reaction time translates into outstanding body control, which, in turn, directly improves handling and road-holding, thanks to optimal tire grip, regardless of road conditions. The result is a much safer and more enjoyable driving experience, courtesy of reduced roll and greater control when accelerating, braking and cornering, the auto maker says. Delphi is ramping up MagneRide production at its Krosno, Poland, damper plant to serve Ferrari, as well as other new European customers yet to be announced. Darin Dellinger, MagneRide marketing manager for Delphi, says the supplier hopes to win additional business with Ferrari for the innovative technology. Related Stories Delphi Looks to Expand MagneRides Reach As a customer, Dellinger says Ferrari demands a very high level of excellence, but that is no different from any other customer. Surprisingly, for an auto maker famous for meticulously hand building exotic cars in extremely low volumes, Ferrari is quite agile. We've found that Ferrari's production cadence is faster than some of Delphi's other customers, Dellinger says. Not sure if you guys already knew this, but I hadnt seen it yet and thought it was interseting.
I am sorry to hear that. I am sure it works just fine but so far Delphi has not been running up a good score in the reliability department with the products they have been supplying to Ferrari. The wiring harnesses have been a bad joke. Going back in time the Koni's were great but technology left them behind. The Bilstein shocks were a disaster. The Boge were faultless and now I guess Delphi got the low bid.
Very interesting information. So how is this different from Skyhook, or is skyhook a delphi product rebadged? --Dan
Skyhook is Mannheim-Sachs. Such a small blip on the RADAR screen I did not include it but in it's short life did not get great reviews. Such a small sampling we never got the chance to determine reliability wise if they belonged in the same column with Koni/Boge or Bilstigebroken
Well the technology is great....and Delphi has restructured themselves. The Magna Ride fluid works great. I have ridden in two cars with it.....impressive to say the least.
No they haven't.... ZF Sachs took over like80% of their business. BTW, all of the samples I've ever seen of MR Fluid in those tubes they were passing around have all solidified.
