RyanS3

You can order sport suspension which comes with s-line seats and 18"s. Or sport suspension PLUS magnetic ride. still includes sport suspension, seats, wheels.

<b>Audi has also seen fit to offer its magnetic ride suspension on both versions of the 2009 A3 for the U.S. market. The advanced suspension package allows the A3's ride quality to be switched between "Normal" and "Sport", the latter offering stiffer damping rates for increased performance. Audi says switching between the two modes takes just milliseconds, giving the driver the option of either setup to suit current driving conditions.
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Audi Magnetic Ride is based on a magneto-rheological principle. When in a magnetic field, small iron particles in the suspension fluid align themselves in the direction of the magnetic flux. The electromagnetic coil is integrated into the damper piston in such a way that when it is energized the magnetic flux runs exactly transversely to the admission ports in the damper piston. If the piston moves, the aligned iron particles create flow resistance in the flowing suspension fluid.

The greater the energy applied and the stronger the magnetic field, the greater the resistance and damping power. The energy is controlled in relation to driving dynamics and impulses from the road. This means for every road situation optimal damping power is available. This damping power produces - according to OEM desire - a more comfortable feel or sportier vehicle handling.

Audi uses the magneto-rheological dampers for both - comfort and sport. In its basic mode, the suspension allows for a more comfortable vehicle feel. In sports mode, the vehicle offers a sportier ride thanks to a push of a button. Because of the lower level of damping force in basic mode, the total path of the springs is fully utilized. This assures top comfort over long distances and when driving over uneven surfaces.

The greater damping of the sports mode results in tighter, sportier handling along with better control in the threshold. It also optimally suppresses the rolling tendency of the car's body in corners.

Since no mechanical parts must be moved, the Delphi technology responds extremely spontaneously. The damping force is only dependent on the power applied to the magneto-rheological fluid and can be adjusted up to 1,000 times a second. Thanks to the variable control of the power, the damping force can also be set infinitely. This means the magneto-rheological dampers respond almost in real time with great sensitivity to impulses from the road. The control system loop with Skyhook algorithms ensures the greatest possible road-to-wheel contact in the case of uneven road surfaces with the least impulses to the car body. This means the Audi A3 with Magnetic Ride has the greatest possible driving dynamics and allows for comfort.

Delphi's magneto-rheological monotube damper requires roughly the same space requirements as conventional dampers or struts. If required, Delphi supplies the complete semi-active system with dampers and struts including the sensors and the control unit.

For Audi, the low energy requirements of the system are another benefit. On average, a damper requires just 5 watts of electrical capacity (25 watts at a maximum).

AJN334

it weakens the brand in my opinion.

RyanS3

some may want the s-line body and not the suspension.

think of it this way. all the tuners will opt to get s-line and not sport pkg. put in their own suspension, wheels, and recaros.

AJN334

and to have a sport version of a car to come not with different suspension and just badges and grills makes Audi resemble SAAB or Volvo

RyanS3

But I think in the long run, having the ability to get the sharper body kit, without some of the other goodies, is nice. since a lot of people will take the suspension and wheels OFF the car.

However, I appreciate your point. S-line now is what, just a different bumper pkg and a few badges, hmmm. That is sort of weird. It cheapens the s-line reputation! So I sort of agree with you.

RyanS3

Added a paragraph to the 1st post, 2nd paragraph, bold print.

RyanS3

One option that will be worth parting with your hard-earned cash is the Magnetic Ride suspension, which uses a magnetorheological fluid controlled by an electric current to vary the damping forces. This enables the shock absorbers to instantly stiffen up before the A3 begins to roll in a corner while giving the car a compliant ride on uneven surfaces. Having driven cars equipped with both the optional Magnetic Ride and the standard conventional suspension, there is no question as to the superiority of the former, which I would recommend to any A3 buyer.