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Uprated suspension modules preserve hatchback agility while adding all-terrain capability
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Global braking and chassis systems specialist BWI Group has developed larger, sturdier suspension modules to suit crossover vehicles developed on sporting and premium compact platforms. The upgrades to the gas-filled dampers provide greater all-terrain capability and increased load-carrying capacity while maintaining the inherent agility of the base vehicle. The first application is the MINI Countryman crossover.
The front and rear dampers are larger with increased travel that gives the Countryman the wider shock-absorbing capacity needed to cope with the demands of running on rough roads. This also helped to increase the Countryman's load-carrying capacity by 40kg to 470kg. The BWI dampers are part of a package that includes forged track control arms at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear, which suit both front- and all-wheel drive versions.
"Crossover manufacturers want to offer improved off-road capability and a higher payload without losing the handling qualities that attracted drivers to the base vehicle," says Frank Robinson, Product Line Director for Suspensions, BWI Group. "Such applications require premium quality dampers of heavier duty construction that broaden the scope of the chassis and allow drivers to do more with the vehicle."
"BWI's technical expertise and global manufacturing footprint makes it the industry's most comprehensive supplier of premium chassis systems," adds Robinson. "Our understanding of chassis attributes at the whole vehicle level helped us to work effectively with BMW Group's ride and handling experts. Our best-cost approach to manufacturing helps to match customers' high standards and their demands for the best possible cost."
BWI assembles the MINI's suspension modules in the UK at its facility in Luton, Bedfordshire. The company has provided the suspension modules for all MINIs, including the high-performance John Cooper Works versions, right from the start of production.
BWI manufactures the dampers and top mounts, and schedules, buys and quality-checks the additional parts from other suppliers. It builds and ships the complete modules just-in-time and in sequence to MINI within a window of just four to six hours.
BWI Group
BWI Group is the strong and well-funded company that acquired the business of Delphi Chassis Systems on November 1st 2009. The product portfolio is split into two complementary groups: ride & handling technologies and braking technologies. In both areas, the offering ranges from high value items such as twin-tube dampers and brake system components, through to highly sophisticated active systems and the expertise required to integrate them with premium vehicle programmes. BWI Group's engineering philosophy can be summarised as 'innovation with design simplicity': a strategy that is clearly demonstrated in world-class technologies such as electronically controlled braking and stability systems, the MagneRide controlled damping system and the award-winning MR Powertrain Mount.
The substantial product portfolio is supported by technical centres in North America, China, Japan, France and Poland and by applications support centres in Australia, Germany, India, Taiwan and the United Kingdom, complemented by hot weather and cold weather test centres in North America.
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