Multimatic’s TrueActive damper tech debuts on new Ferrari Purosangue

The Multimatic TrueActive Spool Valve (TASV) Damper system has debuted on the new Ferrari Purosangue unveiled on September 13. The four-door, four-seat model is Ferrari's most practical to date.

While high power twin-turbo V8s are the norm in the performance SUV segment, the Purosangue will launch with a new 65-degree, 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 petrol engine. The engine produces 725hp at 7,750rpm and 716Nm at 6,250rpm. The newest Ferrari goes from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds, hits 200kph in 10.6 seconds and has a top speed in excess of 310kph. 

The Ferrari Purosangue is the first to feature the innovative Ferrari Active Suspension Technology (F.A.S.T.) system enabled by Multimatic TASV technology. All passive and adaptive dampers are reactive elements designed to absorb energy imparted by the road surface and g-forces resulting from driver inputs to reactively control subsequent suspension movements and tyre forces.

According to Multimatic, its TASV Damper technology has redefined the role of dampers, transforming the suspension into an active system capable of exerting enough force to move the entire vehicle body in anticipation of a road disturbance or driving manoeuvre to achieve optimal handling performance and ride comfort in all conditions.

Spool valve damping is at the heart of TASV technology, it’s the fundamental core of every Multimatic damper. Inside each TASV Damper are two spool valves independently controlling compression and rebound motion, providing precise and predictable control in all driving conditions.

The Multimatic TASV system is the first production active suspension in the world to integrate an electric motor with spool valve damping to supplement vehicle springs with parallel force actuation through the damper. This eliminates the need for any anti-roll devices and additional mechanisms for dynamic ride height and rate adjustment. It can also control vehicle wheel motions with more authority and at higher frequencies than adaptive or semi-active suspension systems.

TASV Dampers use a unique liquid-cooled 48V three-phase brushless electric motor to deliver supplemental force through a bespoke twin-lead ball screw and gearbox assembly into the damper shaft. The system is efficiently designed to minimise package space, weight, and rotational inertia. On the Ferrari Purosangue each damper actuator assembly is equipped with an onboard motor control module that receives direct commands from a vehicle dynamics controller based on control strategies that optimize the performance envelope of the vehicle and the ride-comfort of its occupants.

“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, Multimatic Vice-President of Engineering. “For example, the system can actively lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity and control pitch and roll stiffness under acceleration, braking and cornering to maximise traction and dynamically optimise under/oversteer handling balance. It can also optimise tire contact with the road as the vehicle drives over rough surfaces, delivering exceptional ride quality and stability.”

Breakthrough technology
The Multimatic TASV Damper System is the breakthrough technology that enables achievement of the elusive goal to give a vehicle ultimate handling performance and ride comfort without compromise.

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

Multimatic says its TrueActive technology “enables drivers to achieve faster lap-times, maintain control and confidence in all conditions and experience exceptional comfort on the road. Automakers and consumers no longer need to choose between ultimate performance, stability or ride comfort, TASV delivers it all without compromise.”