Electronically controlled running gear. The ninth-generation Passat is equipped with significantly enhanced running gear. Alongside numerous individual measures, Volkswagen has developed a new generation of the DCC adaptive chassis control for its best-selling model, the optional DCC Pro. In addition, the all-new Passat Variant is now equipped with a Vehicle Dynamics Manager. The system controls the functions of the electronic differential locks (XDS) and the lateral dynamics components of the controlled shock absorbers in the DCC Pro system. Thanks to the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which performs wheel-specific braking interventions and wheel-selective adjustments of the shock absorber hardness, the handling characteristics are more neutral, stable, agile and precise. The basic architecture for the running gear comprises a MacPherson front axle and a four-link rear axle.
The new DCC Pro in detail. The electronic active damping control reacts continuously to the road conditions and driving situation and takes into account parameters such as steering, braking and acceleration. The ideal damping is calculated for each wheel and is adjusted via the shock absorbers within fractions of a second. The driver has the option of individually adjusting the DCC system to settings ranging from very comfortable to very sporty. For the first time in the Passat, the lateral dynamics components of the adaptive chassis control are also coordinated and optimised by means of the Vehicle Dynamics Manager for optimum driving comfort and outstanding driving dynamics at all times. Compared to the precedessor’s DCC with 1-valve dampers, the dampers in the new DCC Pro are equipped with two valves. This change is accompanied by an adapted control algorithm for separate rebound and compression stage control. The faster two-valve shock absorbers permit realisation of a better and quieter connection between the body and running gear at the same time as optimised driving dynamics – thanks to the even more precise control of the rebound and compression stages. Two-valve shock absorbers were previously only used in combination with multi-link suspension in the premium and luxury class; integration in MacPherson struts is new. DCC Pro once more significantly increases the spread between the dynamic and comfort characteristics. Thanks to the interaction of these characteristics, Passat drivers will enjoy an extremely pleasant driving experience and a sense of security even on poor road surfaces.