Jean, NV (8/4/2017) - Just
a few years ago, active suspension is something
that was reserved for the exotic car world. That
has changed as Polaris has brought what helps
put the “super” into supercar into the off-road
world with its debut of the DYNAMIX suspension
system. Available on the 2018 Polaris RZR XP Turbo
DYNAMIX Edition, and developed with FOX Shocks,
the system is more than just bells and whistles.
It works.
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All
New Polaris DYNAMIX Active Suspension
is now available on the 2018 Polaris RZR
XP Turbo |
We put the new system through its paces in
the desert outside Jean, NV. Zero 1 Touring,
which runs a fleet of Polaris RZR XP 1000 on
tours in the area, took us through its system
of trails. We had helmets with communications
provided by Rugged Radios so we could hear instructions
from the leader. This helped us to keep together
on the trail.
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Polaris
invited the media out to Jean, NV after
the dealer show to test drive the newly
released 2018 Polaris RZR XP Turbo DYNAMIX
Edition |
Similar to systems employed in high end road
cars, DYNAMIX includes an ECU combined with
a set of FOX Shocks outfitted with special electronic
valves that change compression. This is more
than just an electronic “clicker” arrangement.
The system uses a gyroscope and an inertial
measurement unit (IMU) similar to what is employed
in a smart phone.
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The
DYNAMIX Active Suspension is equipped
with three modes Firm, Sport, and Comfort,
which is easily adjusted by a toggle switch,
and it utilizes the RIDE COMMAND screen
to display the suspension info |
It uses seven different inputs, including steering
angle, yaw, wheel spin, and GPS to constantly
change the shock compression to suit conditions.
The computer makes changes at 200 times per
second and the shocks react on the fly in .04
seconds.
We definitely felt the system working, though
it was in no way intrusive. Tap the brakes,
the front shocks stiffen in response. Go hard
on the throttle, the rear shocks stiffen to
keep squat under control. In turns, the outside
shocks stiffen and on jumps, the system senses
the wheels are off the ground and adjusts the
shocks in response for a soft landing with no
bottoming out. Remember, you can have all of
the speed in the world, but without a good suspension
you’ll never see the true potential of the machine.