ClearMotion has taken Bose's innovative approach to suspension technology and adapted it for modern luxury vehicles. Unlike the traditional method of using a scaled-up doorbell plunger, this system incorporates Bose's control logic to provide supremely fast adjustments. Each corner of the car is equipped with a gerotor hydraulic pump, allowing it to react 60 times quicker than traditional suspension systems.
Originally, Bose proposed using torsion springs, but the new Chinese luxury sedan, the ET9, has opted for air springs that manage weight support and damping effectively.
Bose and ClearMotion have always been proponents of reactive systems powered by rapid-response sensors. High-end Nio vehicles are already collecting extensive road data. Although the current precision isn't fully optimized for the SkyRide system, as more ET9 models hit the streets, road mapping will become more accurate. Companies are focusing on refining ADAS sensors to improve data precision, which promises enhanced ride quality in the future.
The ET9 presents several pioneering features, including:
- Kneeling Capability: This allows for easier entry and exit, while also enabling structural alignment before a collision.
- Suspension Demo Mode: Demonstrates contrasts in ride quality.
- 5D PanoCinema: Synchronizes the car's movements with on-screen movie action.
- Soccer Maze Game: Integrates with the Nio Phone 2, allowing you to control a virtual ball through car motion.
Although detailed information is limited, presentations suggest that SkyRide might require up to 10kW during peak usage. However, ordinary operations like ride-height adjustments are expected to use around 1kW, with negligible power consumption on smooth roads.
Even without full cloud integration, SkyRide provides a noticeably smooth ride, minimizing the impact of bumps effectively. It excels particularly on bridge ramps, anticipating and adjusting seamlessly. Witnessing SkyRide in action compared to a conventional drive underscores its remarkable efficiency.
A 2024 agreement between Porsche and ClearMotion aims to bring this innovative technology to North America soon. Additionally, Nio's partnership with McLaren indicates potential widespread use in luxury models going forward.
While engaging features are plenty, the system's pumps aren't designed to launch a luxury sedan into the air—though it would certainly make for an entertaining spectacle!
Bose's groundbreaking suspension technology, revitalized by ClearMotion, is on track to transform comfort in luxury vehicles. With improved sensors and advancing technology, expect even smoother rides as the ET9 fleet expands. Keep an eye out for these advancements in top-tier vehicles soon!
