Cars & Concepts
VW Golf R (2024) erhält Facelift: Ein tiefer Blick in die Technik des Fahrdynamikmanagers
The VW Golf R has recently undergone a significant "product enhancement," commonly referred to as a facelift. One term keeps popping up in discussions about the update: the "Vehicle Dynamics Manager." However, what does this actually mean and how does it benefit the driver? We've done some digging and consulted expert Benny Leuchter for insights.
To achieve optimal driving performance, numerous components need to function at their peak. This includes not just the suspension system and its configuration, but other elements such as the steering, differential lock, four-wheel drive, ABS, and traction control systems like ESP/ASR are also crucial for both enjoyment and safety on the road. Until now, each of these systems has operated independently with its own control units and feedback loops.
Introducing the Advanced Driving Dynamics Controller
In the eighth-generation Golf, Volkswagen unveiled what is known as the Driving Dynamics Manager. This innovative "brain" links for the first time all the systems crucial for driving behavior. This means that a powerful central computer has access to all data from every system and also centrally manages them. The Driving Dynamics Manager harmonizes and refines the vehicle's lateral dynamics, ensuring consistent top-tier driving stability, such as when decelerating into a turn.
In both the Golf R and Golf R Variant, the system integrates not just the electronic differential locks (XDS) and the controlled shock absorbers of the adaptive chassis (DCC), but also incorporates the all-wheel drive with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. The adjustable chassis systems aim to meld the seemingly incompatible qualities of "maximum comfort" and "ultimate dynamism" to suit the driver's mood and driving conditions.
The driving dynamics manager coordinates the all-wheel drive, the electronic differential lock, and the DCC dampers in every driving maneuver. This coordination aims to adjust the damping for each wheel, enhancing the vehicle's agility and precision handling. Additionally, the manager also calculates the perfect control for the torque splitter to improve agility and stability.
Applying targeted braking to the wheels on the inside of a curve can minimize understeer when driving at the limit. Meanwhile, traction is enhanced by increasing the locking effect within the torque splitter, resulting in a rear-focused rather than understeering driving dynamic. Furthermore, the system is no longer purely reactive; it can now partially anticipate and act in advance by accessing comprehensive information.
The Max Kruse of Regulation Systems
Admittedly, that was quite a bit of technical jargon. To make things clearer, we've asked racing driver and VW test driver Benny Leuchter to explain the benefits of the system for the driver. Having been directly involved in its development, he was happy to oblige.
The vehicle dynamics controller is akin to the number 10 player in soccer, who oversees the entire game and directs the play. It's the central hub where everything converges. This allows the head unit to respond to driving maneuvers with exceptional speed, offering the driver optimal assistance.
The focus here is not so much on achieving the fastest lap times, but rather on enhancing the driver's enjoyment while minimizing their effort. "When you brake into a turn, the dynamic driving manager stiffens the outer dampers and slows down the wheel on the inside of the curve, allowing the car to turn smoothly. If you happen to be going too fast, the dynamic driving manager can use systems like ESP, ABS, and DCC to regain control of the vehicle," Benny explains the benefits.
Increased Golf R:
What does this mean for the driver? Benny Leuchter explains, "Of course, the driver doesn't directly feel the system at work, but they notice that the car responds exactly as they desire. This is due to the extreme control speed that the driving dynamics manager has compared to separate systems. The aim is that the driver doesn't have to ponder too much but always encounters the ideal setup."
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