VEHICLE DYNAMICS Cultural differences “The next step is to decide on the right level of validation for that particular vehicle project. We can make recommendations, based on risk and outcome, to suggest the most appropriate test regime for the production volume,” Roche explains. “There’s always the potential to do more – but it will cost more money. We rely on our experience and professional judgment to find the Goldilocks point that hits just the right balance.” Typically, a project’s time schedule is defined by the manufacturer’s other development activities, Heider points out. “The established OEMs have very structured timing plans that encompass the full vehicle. They understand what the long lead items are, and they understand what it takes to get to the material-required date for the next phase.” The schedule is also driven by vehicle availability, as Heider explains: “The early-phase prototypes aren’t always representative enough to carry out fine-tuning of things like bushing stiffness. If we know that there are front-end body structure changes between phase one and phase two, for instance, we might focus on the rear suspension initially.” Chassis engineering in India has come on leaps and bounds in recent times, but it is still maturing Evaluators must take into account not only the OEM’s brand DNA but also contrasting engineering philosophies and purchaser expectations in different regions. Pro2, a supplier of professional driving services, operates across the globe and has offices in the UK and India. This means its vehicle dynamicists have a good handle on the current landscape in the major geographical areas. Tim Pulford, a vehicle dynamics consultant for Pro2, notes that the market in India remains fiercely price-competitive, so the engineering resources and technology that can be applied to a product are limited. “However, the situation in China is evolving quickly,” he says. “The OEMs are employing much higher levels of technology in their products through established suppliers and local joint ventures to meet rising consumer expectations. Whereas five years ago projects would typically concentrate on conventional passive spring and damper systems, increasingly the requests are for continuously controlled dampers and multi-chamber air springs.” There are signs that the Indian market could be heading in the same direction. In recent years the country has built several proving grounds under the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP), which are making the dynamicists’ jobs a lot easier. Adds Pulford, “We have always favored delivering in-market rather than trying to replicate projects in the UK. We have relationships with a number of venues in India, and one that we have used extensively is the Wabco test track in Chennai.” As the world’s biggest car markets evolve along with consumer requirements, it’s unclear what the future holds for dynamics development. Auto makers in the less mature markets such as India and China are starting to craft their own brand identities, expressed in their vehicles’ driving characteristics. And while objective measurement technologies are going from strength to strength, there’s no doubt that subjective testing remains the key ingredient of any vehicle dynamics program. Ask the experts What are the most important steps when translating ‘soft’ targets for ride and handling into specific test requirements? Dr Flavio Friesen , senior chief engineer for vehicle systems and integration, Lotus The important thing is to make sure that the car aligns with the brand DNA. These attributes must be appropriately tested and validated. Dr Iain Roche , CEO, Prodrive Advanced Technology Be really clear on the requirements: it’s very easy to go along with a set of requirements that aren’t compatible and then end up making compromises later on. John Heider , principal, Cayman Dynamics Set achievable targets for the hardware, the timing and the budget you’ve got available. You’ll never achieve best-in-class handling with worst-in-class hardware. Tim Pulford , consultant, Pro2 Automotive Engineering You need a good database of objective data – from full vehicle down to component level – and drivers who can interpret this and align it with their subjective impressions. Nandakumar Puspanathan , vehicle dynamicist for Premcar and Prodrive China An important step is to identify the tire model and supplier that’s required to meet the vehicle’s technical specifications. 40 MARCH 2024 www.AutomotiveTestingTechnologyInternational.com