The automotive world is witnessing surprising advancements in suspension technology. Recently, BYD drew attention with the launch of the YangWang U9, a car capable of jumping over obstacles using an active suspension system. However, this seemingly novel technology, capable of raising the vehicle in dynamic situations, actually finds parallels in pioneering projects from the past. This article reveals that, two decades ago, the audio company Bose developed a similar, secret system, which, although it didn’t reach the market, demonstrates that the idea of active suspensions with “jumping” capabilities is not new. A comparison between the BYD and Bose systems offers a new perspective on technological evolution in the automotive sector.
BYD YangWang U9: Active Suspension and Innovative Movements
The BYD Yangwang U9, with its active suspension system called Disus X, has demonstrated an impressive ability to maneuver and stabilize the vehicle in challenging conditions. This system allows the car to jump over obstacles and even continue driving with only three wheels in contact with the ground. The unusual functionality caught the market’s attention, but the truth is that this concept is not entirely unprecedented. The audio company Bose, known worldwide for its sound products, explored this possibility years earlier.
Bose “Project Sound”: The Secret of Active Suspension in Lexus
History reveals that between 1980 and 2004, Bose developed a secret project called “Project Sound,” led by founder Amar Bose. The project aimed to revolutionize the luxury automotive industry, exploring the use of its expertise in speaker technology to create an advanced electromagnetic system. The level of secrecy was so high that even Bose’s accounting department was unaware of the project’s existence. The project adapted electromagnetic motors, electric power amplifiers, and switches to two Lexus LS models.
Bose Technology: Electromagnetism and Superior Stability
Bose’s technology aimed to adjust the suspension to specific road conditions, smoothing out every imperfection and providing a smooth ride. During a demonstration in 2004, Bose’s system showed impressive superiority over the original Lexus LS. While the Lexus without the technology rolled significantly in corners, the car equipped with Bose’s suspension remained completely stable. Furthermore, the system could keep the vehicle perfectly stable even when the wheels were violently shaken, and it also offered the ability to jump over small obstacles, similar to the BYD.
Limitations of the Bose System and Legacy for Commercial Suspension
Despite all its innovation, Bose’s system faced a critical problem: practicality. The system was extremely expensive and heavy, making it unsuitable for large-scale production. Consequently, the project was shelved, and the technology was redirected to create “Bose Ride,” an active suspension seat for commercial trucks. This episode demonstrates that the concept of active suspension with “jumping” capability is not recent, despite the novelty brought by BYD’s system. While BYD’s system presents itself as a impactful innovation, Bose’s history shows that automotive technology frequently builds upon past projects, even if those projects never reached the market.
