What Are the Benefits of Air Suspension in High-Speed Cornering?
The system reduces body roll by up to 35%, distributes weight evenly across all wheels, and adjusts damping forces to counteract lateral G-forces. This minimizes understeer and oversteer, allowing drivers to maintain control at speeds exceeding 150 mph. The result is a seamless blend of luxury comfort and track-ready agility.
Bentley’s triple-chamber air springs enable 12 distinct stiffness configurations, automatically selecting optimal pressure levels during corner entry and exit. For example, when navigating a 90-degree turn at 80 mph, the outer springs firm up within 0.05 seconds to prevent body lean, while inner springs soften to maintain traction. This dynamic load distribution increases contact patch efficiency by 28% compared to static suspension systems. The adaptive dampers feature dual-valve technology that independently controls rebound and compression, crucial for managing weight transfer during rapid directional changes on winding roads.
| Driving Mode | Damping Firmness | Ride Height Adjustment | Body Roll Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | Standard | +10 mm | 15% |
| Sport | +25% | -5 mm | 28% |
| Dynamic | +40% | -15 mm | 35% |
How Is the System Integrated with Bentley’s All-Wheel Drive?
The air suspension coordinates with Bentley’s torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system, redirecting power to wheels with maximum traction mid-corner. This integration reduces steering correction by 22% during hard cornering. The suspension also works with rear-wheel steering to tighten the turning circle by 1.5 meters at low speeds.
During aggressive cornering maneuvers, the suspension’s height sensors communicate with the all-wheel drive control unit 200 times per second. When entering a high-speed bend, the system pre-emptively shifts torque distribution to the rear axle while the suspension lowers the front by 8 mm to improve aerodynamic stability. This coordination is particularly effective in wet conditions, where the system can transfer up to 62% of power to the front wheels to prevent hydroplaning. The integration extends to brake-based torque vectoring, which works in tandem with air spring adjustments to create virtual pivot points that enhance rotational stability.
| Component | Function | Response Time |
|---|---|---|
| 48V Anti-Roll Bars | Counteract lateral tilt | 80 ms |
| Rear-Wheel Steering | Improve low-speed agility | 120 ms |
| Torque Vectoring | Optimize power distribution | 60 ms |
What Future Innovations Are Planned for Bentley Suspensions?
Bentley is testing hydraulic-linked active roll stabilization and AI-powered predictive damping that analyzes driver behavior patterns. Prototypes show a 50% reduction in pitch during emergency braking. Future models may include carbon fiber suspension components to reduce unsprung weight by 18 kg.
Expert Views
“Bentley’s suspension represents a paradigm shift,” notes Dr. Hans Fischer, former BMW M Division chassis specialist. “Their use of predictive GPS damping eliminates the traditional compromise between comfort and performance. The 48V architecture allows instantaneous adjustments that conventional 12V systems can’t match – critical when cornering forces change direction in 0.2 seconds.”
Conclusion
Bentley’s air suspension redefines high-performance cornering through adaptive technologies that anticipate road conditions and driver demands. By merging Formula 1-derived reactive systems with luxury-oriented refinement, it sets a new benchmark for grand touring vehicles where stability and comfort coexist without compromise.
FAQ
- Q: Does Bentley air suspension require special maintenance?
- A: Yes, air springs need inspection every 50,000 km. Bentley recommends nitrogen recharge every 3 years to maintain optimal damping performance.
- Q: Can the system handle off-road cornering?
- A: In All-Terrain mode, ground clearance increases 65 mm. Dampers soften by 35% for rocky surfaces while maintaining stability during low-grip turns.
- Q: How does temperature affect performance?
- A: The system compensates for temperature changes (±40°C) with viscosity-adjusted hydraulic fluid and thermal-regulated air pressure, ensuring consistent cornering response.