Motion Share this on: Shifting limits with predictive vehicle dynamics control In high-performance vehicles, maximum power and torque alone do not determine the vehicle performance. What matters is how precisely a vehicle identifies its currently available reserves and how controllably it allows to approach its physical limits. Bosch Engineering combines a data-driven understanding of the vehicle with cross-domain system orchestration – for performance that is controllable, repeatable, and true to the brand. Maximize vehicle dynamics, maintain control Conventional vehicle dynamics systems intervene when critical situations occur. This reactive approach supports stability, but it can prevent the vehicle’s dynamic reserves from being used to their full potential. This creates a conflict for manufacturers of sports and performance vehicles: a vehicle should deliver high levels of dynamic performance while remaining predictable, stable, and confidence-inspiring. Technical innovation must also not result in generic driving behavior. It must support the vehicle’s individual character. The challenge, therefore, is not simply to increase individual system´s performance. The key is to understand the overall system and optimize globally by coordinating the functions involved for each driving situation. The key challenges Vehicle dynamics reserves must be identified before a critical situation occurs. Data from multiple vehicle domains must be combined into a consistent representation of the vehicle's and surrounding conditions state. The chassis, powertrain, aerodynamics, and braking systems must be orchestrated as part of cross-domain vehicle control rather than controlled independently. The control strategy must match the desired vehicle character. Technical functions must be translated into a transparent driving experience that is true to the brand. From insight to control The foundation is a precise understanding of the vehicle in its current situation. Data from the chassis, powertrain, braking systems, environment sensing, and other vehicle domains are intelligently combined. In-vehicle sensor fusion and model-based analyses use this data to generate a precise, real-time picture of the driving situation – including the vehicle dynamics reserves currently available. Only this understanding enables the next step: actively shaping performance. While conventional systems react to events, Bosch Engineering’s control system predicts how the driving situation is likely to develop. It calculates the probable progression of the driving situation and coordinates the necessary measures in advance. How are the vehicle domains coordinated? Controllable performance results from the coordinated interaction of multiple vehicle systems. Depending on the vehicle architecture, active chassis systems, aerodynamic systems, powertrain, torque vectoring, regenerative braking, and braking functions can be integrated. Each function continues to perform its specific task. However, the effect on vehicle dynamics results from cross-domain coordination. For the driver, this technical complexity remains in the background. What they experience is a vehicle that responds precisely and controllably to their inputs. Before a challenging curve, system orchestration can coordinate the following functions: Identify the driving situation Vehicle data and information about the environment provide the basis for assessing the current situation. Predict how the situation will develop Model-based analyses account for the driving situation’s likely progression. Adjust aerodynamics Active aerodynamic systems can selectively increase downforce. Prepare vehicle balance Active chassis systems prepare the vehicle for the upcoming deceleration. Integrate regenerative braking Electric drive systems adapt regeneration to the driving situation. Coordinate traction and stability Vehicle dynamics functions prepare for the subsequent turn-in. Performance aligned with brand DNA Performance is not defined the same way for every brand. Precision, neutrality, agility, and feedback can be weighted differently depending on the brand philosophy. Bosch Engineering tailors the control strategies to the desired vehicle character. Expertise in sensors, software, and control is combined with an understanding of the intended vehicle dynamics brand signature. The goal is not a generic maximum, but driving behavior that technically supports the individual brand DNA. Predictive vehicle dynamics control begins with a precise understanding of the current driving situation. Only when the available reserves are known can the vehicle systems involved be coordinated proactively and in a way that matches the desired vehicle character. How can brand-specific performance be developed systematically? Differentiation in vehicle dynamics does not result from more powerful individual components alone. It comes from a precise understanding of the vehicle, proactive dimensioning and coordination of its systems, and a control strategy that matches the desired vehicle character. Let’s explore together how predictive vehicle dynamics control can make your vehicle’s available reserves usable and technically support performance that is true to your brand. Your contact Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact our expert. Dominik Merlein, Senior Product Manager Active Safety and Steering Get in touch The following may also be of interest to you Turning true potential into performanceLearn more Superior driving dynamics through data-driven engineeringLearn more Pagani creates dreams, and Bosch Engineering ensures they stay safeLearn more Frequently asked questions An overview of the most important questions about the approach, how it works, and the benefits of Shifting Limits. What is predictive vehicle dynamics control? Predictive vehicle dynamics control is an approach that uses vehicle data and model-based analyses to assess the current driving situation and its likely progression. Based on this assessment, the vehicle systems involved are coordinated proactively. What does “Shifting Limits” mean? “Shifting Limits” describes Bosch Engineering’s approach to identifying, predicting, and actively managing vehicle dynamics limits based on precise vehicle data. The goal is to make performance controllably usable. How does the approach differ from conventional vehicle dynamics systems? Conventional systems respond to instabilities after they occur. The approach described here uses model-based and predictive control to account for critical situations early and proactively coordinate multiple vehicle systems. What data is used for control? Data from the chassis, powertrain, braking systems, environment sensing, and other vehicle domains are used. The specific selection depends on the vehicle architecture. Which vehicle systems can be orchestrated? Depending on the architecture, active chassis systems, aerodynamic systems, torque vectoring, braking functions, regenerative braking, and electric drives can be integrated. What role do sensor fusion and vehicle models play? Sensor fusion and model-based analyses combine the available data into a representation of the driving situation. This also includes the vehicle dynamics reserves currently available. How does the control system support brand DNA? The control strategies are tailored to the desired vehicle character and brand philosophy. This allows characteristics such as precision, neutrality, agility, and feedback to be addressed systematically during development. Which technical proof points should be defined for a customer project? Project-specific metrics, defined driving maneuvers, test conditions, comparison scenarios, and qualitative driver assessments. This evidence must be defined based on the specific vehicle architecture and development objectives. Is the approach limited to a specific powertrain type? The approach is available for all powertrain types. What are the integration requirements? Key prerequisites include data from multiple vehicle domains. The systems that can be integrated depend on the specific vehicle architecture. Interfaces, hardware requirements, and integration steps are defined on a project-specific basis. Load more