THE BASICS: Conventional suspensions use springs and hydraulic shock absorbers linked to struts to limit bounce, roll and sway to the car body over rough roads. The faster the car goes, the more resistance the shock absorber provides to dampen jarring from bumps.

OPERATIONS: The computer-controlled system relies on mathematical algorithms developed at Bose. It observes measurements from sensors and sends commands to power amplifiers in each corner of the car.

The electromagnetic motors retract and extend as electrical power is applied to their coils.

BOSE’S ALTERNATIVE: Bose’s “active” system uses electricity and magnets to pull and push wheels in response to road bumps. Electromagnetic motors mounted above and inside each wheel can extend or retract a shaft linked to the wheel in milliseconds – far faster than hydraulic shock absorbers, which work by squeezing fluid through small channels.