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The Suspension Subsystem

The suspension subsystem is fed directly from the main accumulator the way the other subsystems are. The feed immediately splits front and rear, each passing through a Height Control Valve. When each valve is activated, high-pressure fluid inflates the pair of load-bearing shocks. When the valve is in the neutral position, the pressure level remains constant between the pair. When the valve is deactivated, the fluid in the shock pair drains directly back to the reservoir.

Sharing pressure between left and right shocks provided many benefits. The tendency to equalize pressure between the two accomplished a horizontal self-leveling, even at high speeds. This achieved a natural anti-roll effect and gave the relatively large and heavy sedan remarkably good cornering capabilities.

While sharing pressure left to right provided many benefits, it proved more advantageous to have pressure separated fore and aft. This was accomplished through the independent height control valves. If the load on the rear of the car increased, the rear valve would be activated and a greater volume of high-pressure fluid would be allowed into that pair.


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