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Four-C active chassis debuted in the 220kW, all-wheel-drive Volvo S60 R and
V70 R. The advanced suspension damping system was then modified to suit the
luxurious S80 ride qualities which emphasises comfort more than raw road
holding. Volvo is now broadened the availability of Four-C active chassis making
it available as an option across the S60, V70 and XC70 model ranges.
“With the active chassis, we can get more out of the car,” says Hans
Folkesson, Senior Vice President, Research and Development. “The technology
improves better driving properties in all situations – both safer and more
entertaining.”
The chassis setting adapts automatically to suit the current driving
situation, which considerably improves both handling and ride comfort. If the
driver is more active when steering, accelerating or braking, the system
responds at lightning speed to increase damping force and thus control the car's
body movements.
In more sedate progress, damping action is much less frequent to better
isolate the car’s occupants from irregularities in the road surface. This
approach combines the best of two worlds – maximum control and thus safety, and
at the same time the best possible comfort.
Gen II Four-C
The active chassis is based on Volvo’s Four-C
technology in combination with DSTC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control).
This is an advanced self-regulating chassis system that uses a number of sensors
to continuously monitor the car’s behaviour. In mere fractions of a second, the
shock absorbers are reset to suit the current on-road situation.
“What we are now unveiling is the second-generation Four-C,” says Folkesson.
“During the process of tailoring the technology to suit the S60, V70 and XC70
models, we improved the hardware and the software, gaining smoother damping
control in the bargain.”
Four-C adjusts chassis settings to suit the car’s speed. The faster the car
is travelling, the firmer the damping. This offers the driver better car control
even at high speeds. This technology also reduces the body’s tendency to kneel
at the front, squat at the rear or roll during hard braking, sudden acceleration
or fast avoidance manoeuvres respectively.
The Volvo S80 luxury sedan and the high-performance R-versions of S60 and V70
also benefit from improvements made to the second-generation Four-C.
Select Sport or Comfort
For MY05 models fitted with Four-C active
chassis (with the exception of R models), two chassis settings are featured. At
the touch of a button, the driver can alter the car’s driving behaviour to suit
personal preferences.
SPORT gives more controlled body movements, faster steering response
and more road contact.
COMFORT gives a supple, more comfortable ride with calm, harmonious
body movement.
In an emergency situation, however, the setting selected makes no difference
– Four-C is programmed to assist the driver by automatically stabilising the
car.
Modified chassis properties
The active chassis gives the car better
driving properties in all situations. The car is more stable and consistent in
its behaviour and response.
“Everyone in the family benefits from the active chassis,” says Folkesson.
“The car is safer and more comfortable to ride in.” The advanced Four-C
technology has also made it possible to modify chassis properties to suit each
respective car model.
- In the Volvo S60 sedan, the chassis has a stiffer setting in Sports mode to
provide enhanced road feedback and sportier driving properties. At the same
time, the Comfort setting provides greater comfort than the standard chassis can
offer.
- The Volvo V70 wagon, the family car of choice, has been tailored to provide
high ride comfort while at the same time retaining its excellent ride and
roadholding properties when the car is loaded. In Sports mode, the car offers a
firmer and livelier ride.
- The Volvo crossover XC70 with active chassis has become stiffer and firmer,
with increased steering feel and enhanced road feedback. The car is easier to
control and more comfortable to ride in on both good and poor road
surfaces.
Volvo Car Australia will offer Four-C active chassis as an option on S80,
S60, V70 and XC70 at the recommended retail price of $3950. Note, Four-C must be
accompanied by DSTC dynamic stability and traction control system.
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