We weren't able to try a car
on passive dampers, but for # 530, we think its an option box worth ticking.
This is a «poverty spec» R8
on passive dampers, but the way it flows over the ground is sublime and the combination of perfectly weighted steering with the low - skimming view out means you can pick off apices with joyful ease.
The ride
on its passive dampers and 17 - inch alloys was pretty good too, a touch firmer than the Comfort mode in my GTI with its adaptive dampers but still pretty acceptable, and well controlled.
The Mercedes relies
on passive dampers that are tuned for a livable ride that's still confident on the track.
The ride
on the passive dampers is firm — firmer than some Aston customers might expect — but perfectly judged for the character of the car and in no way uncomfortable.
The ride can feel overly firm too
on passive dampers, but cars equipped with Magnetic Ride offer a B - road appropriate pliancy in Comfort without sacrificing too much body control.
Not exact matches
The
passive dampers are definitely set up with hard driving in mind, though, and the car comes alive when you take it beyond seven - tenths; the firm springs give you the security and confidence to really lean
on them in the corners and know that they will support you.
With
passive dampers, there's no effect
on the ride.
Both of the RSs that we drove (
on track and then road) were equipped with the standard
passive dampers as opposed to the optional adjustable Magnetic Ride
dampers and it's a set up that we would heartily recommend.
The
passive dampers meanwhile give a much more natural feel to the way the R8 drives - there isn't that floaty, alienating attitude you get
on magnetic ride cars.
On standard
passive dampers, the 4 Series is a little less able to react to changes in the road surface, so lumps and potholes are felt as heavier thumps inside the car.