Volvo XC90 uses Tenneco 'intelligent' suspension

BRUSSELS, Belgium ((Nov. 17, 2014)  — Volvo Car Group has chosen Tenneco Inc.'s continuously variable semi-active suspension (CVSAe) as a standard feature on its limited run XC90 First Edition seven-seat SUV.

CVSAe dampers enhance the comfort and handling of a vehicle's ride by continuously adjusting all four shock absorbers up to 100 times per second to changing road conditions and dynamic driving situations like cornering, lane changes, acceleration and braking, according to Lake Forest, Ill.-based Tenneco. The dampers can be switched from standard to sport or comfort mode at any time to match driver preferences for a more comfortable, more dynamic or more sporty ride.

Volvo was the first car maker to introduce Tenneco's Monroe-brand electronic damping technology as standard on its S60R and V70R performance models in 2002. Sandro Paparelli, Tenneco vice president and general manager, Ride Performance Europe, said the company's relationship with Volvo “has continued through many subsequent models and generations and we are honored to have been chosen to supply the prestigious XC90 First Edition.”

CVSAe suspension will be available as an option on all XC90 models produced from now on, he added, as Tenneco continues to supply Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) modular chassis technology platform.

“We share Volvo's commitment of constantly innovating to develop technologies that help enhance safety, comfort and performance,” Mr. Paparelli added.

Tenneco CVSA technology is in production on 37 vehicle models from a number of different global brands, according to the company, and applications for nine new vehicle models are currently under development.

CVSAe is part of the Monroe Intelligent Suspension portfolio that includes adaptive suspension solutions (DualMode) for compact cars and semi-active solutions with external valve (CVSAe), internal valve (CVSAi) and two independent valves (CVSA2) for mid-range and higher-end cars. The portfolio also includes CVSA2/Kinetic and ACOCAR active suspension solutions for premium luxury cars, high-end sports cars and SUVs with off-road capability, Tenneco said.

Tenneco designs, manufactures and markets clean air and ride performance products and systems for automotive, commercial truck and off-highway original equipment markets and the aftermarket under the principal brand names Monroe, Walker, XNOx and CleviteElastomer.