November 2004

Kayaba’s innovative DRC suspension system has been selected for Audi’s new RS6 Quattro bringing even more agility and improved handling to this exciting sports estate. The DRC system had previously been used in the Audi RS6 saloon and the RS6 Quattro - launched in 2002.

The DRC system (known as Dynamic Ride Control - DRC - by Audi) is a pure mechanical damping system which monitors road conditions and cornering forces, and adjusts the suspension accordingly. This advanced damping system counteracts movements of the vehicle along its longitudinal axis and transverse axis. Both shock absorbers on the same side of the vehicle are connected with the diagonally opposed dampers on the other side, each by means of one central valve.

By connecting diagonally opposed shock absorbers, vehicle pitching and diagonal chassis movements are minimised. The result is that the car is more stable at high speeds, as well as offering greater ride comfort at any speed.

When a corner is taken, a flow of oil, and thus a supplementary damping force, is generated via the central valve between the diagonally opposed shock absorbers. When the suspension is compressed on one side, the damper characteristic is modified in such a way that rolling or pitching movements are almost entirely eliminated. As a result, this mechanically active damping system ensures that the RS6 Quattro maintains extremely good tracking stability when cornering and responds precisely to adjustments of the steering wheel.

Other advantages include:

• Improved handling
• less tyre wear
• lower maintenance costs
• preventing any tendancy for over-steer
• improved cornering ability

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Ref: KYB07/2004