Use of Adaptive Dampening in Touring Cars : A study into adaptive dampening technology and how it could be used in touring car racing

Abstract

Adaptive damping has seen an increase in the use in road vehicles, yet its application in motorsport remains banned by current regulations. This thesis argues that it is time to lift this ban and allow the implementation of adaptive damping in touring cars This will enable manufacturers to test and refine this technology in high-performance environments. Historically, motorsport has been a test platform for new technologies in the auto industry, many of which trickle down to mass produced road vehicles. However, in the area of suspension systems, this potential has been largely untapped. The data gained from deploying adaptive damping technology in touring car racing could lead to safety and performance enhancements in mass-produced road cars. With DTM and SuperGT currently revising their regulations for their touring car series, the timing is ideal to integrate this suspension technology into competitive racing. By doing so, the motorsport industry can once again spearhead automotive innovation.